France has begun its autumn vaccination drive, offering residents the chance to receive flu and Covid-19 vaccines simultaneously from October 14th until January 31st.

Health authorities encourage eligible people to get both vaccines at once, which can be administered in separate arms during the same appointment. There is no minimum waiting period required if the vaccines are given separately.

Who should get vaccinated?

The campaign mainly targets over 65-year-olds and those at higher risk of severe illness, including people with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and those with severe obesity.

France’s health insurance will cover 100% of the cost for priority groups, which also include care home residents and children over six months with certain medical conditions.

While Covid vaccination is specifically recommended for over 65-year-olds, anyone wishing to receive the vaccine can do so, regardless of age.

Where to get vaccinated

Both vaccines are available from doctors, nurses and pharmacists, with midwives also able to administer the injections in certain cases.

For Covid vaccinations, most people aged five and over need just one dose. However, young children who have never been vaccinated or infected require a more complex three-dose schedule.

Adults must wait six months after their last Covid vaccination or infection before receiving another dose, though this drops to three months for immunocompromised people and those over 80.

Health officials stress that vaccination remains the most effective protection against both illnesses, though barrier measures like hand hygiene continue to be recommended even for the vaccinated.

The authorities advise getting the flu vaccine before the virus begins circulating widely, as it takes two weeks for the body to develop sufficient antibodies

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