Covid-19 is circulating at higher levels across the French Riviera and wider Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region than at the same time last year, according to new public health figures. The increase comes as France prepares to launch its winter vaccination campaign on Tuesday 13th October, although hospital emergency departments have yet to experience a corresponding rise in demand.
The latest regional surveillance bulletin from Santé publique France, published on 7th October, confirms that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is circulating more widely in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA), which includes Nice, Cannes, Antibes and the French Riviera surrounding Monaco.
Both laboratory surveillance and wastewater monitoring indicate higher levels of the virus than at the same point in 2025.
The findings follow several weeks of increasing consultations for suspected Covid-19, with the region’s SOS Médecins services continuing to report rising activity.
However, the public health agency says emergency department visits for Covid-19 have stabilised and remain significantly below levels recorded during the previous two years.
PACA among regions with higher respiratory infection rates
Separate figures from France’s Sentinelles surveillance network show that PACA recorded an estimated 169 consultations for acute respiratory infections per 100,000 inhabitants during the week of 28th September to 4th October.
That compares with a national average of 142 per 100,000, placing PACA among the three regions with the highest estimated consultation rates, alongside Bourgogne-Franche-Comté and Brittany. The regional rate had been estimated at 143 per 100,000 the previous week, although the surveillance network continues to classify overall respiratory infection activity in PACA as low.
While the figures cover all acute respiratory infections, including Covid-19, influenza and other viruses, the regional data reinforces the picture of renewed Covid-19 circulation as the autumn respiratory illness season begins.
Covid-19 consultations rising nationally
Across France, SOS Médecins recorded a 26% increase in consultations for suspected Covid-19 during the week ending 4th October, representing approximately 280 additional consultations compared with the previous week.
National surveillance has shown increasing Covid-19 activity since August, with the virus detected through laboratory testing and wastewater monitoring.
Despite this, Santé publique France says the impact on healthcare services remains relatively limited.
Winter vaccination campaign starts Tuesday
The latest figures come just ahead of France’s annual vaccination campaign against Covid-19 and seasonal influenza, which begins on Tuesday 13th October. The campaign is particularly aimed at people aged 65 and over, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals and those with chronic medical conditions that increase their risk of serious illness.
People who regularly come into contact with vulnerable individuals, including healthcare workers, are also encouraged to be vaccinated.
For the 2026–2027 season, France is using an updated Comirnaty vaccine targeting the XFG subvariant of Omicron.
Both Covid-19 and influenza vaccines can be administered during the same appointment, with injections given at separate sites.
Covid-19 vaccines are fully covered by France’s Assurance Maladie, although administration costs are reimbursed according to the usual healthcare arrangements.
Vaccinations are available through authorised healthcare professionals, including doctors, pharmacists, nurses and midwives.
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