Background

The flu vaccination campaign for the 2022–2023 season was marked by a unique public health context due to the simultaneous circulation of SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, and influenza viruses. This co-circulation underscores the importance of vaccinating individuals for whom seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended, as well as healthcare professionals, as outlined in the vaccination schedule; this can be done concurrently with the COVID-19 booster shot as part of the fall vaccination campaign.

The seasonal flu vaccination campaign for the 2022–2023 season began on October 18, 2022, for all individuals targeted by the recommendations, and on November 16, 2022, for anyone else wishing to be vaccinated.

In accordance with Information Note DGS/SP1/DGOS/DGCS/2021/131 of July 29, 2022, regarding the 2022-2023 seasonal flu vaccination campaign, a survey was launched by Santé publique France to estimate influenza vaccination coverage among residents and staff of residential long-term care facilities (ESMS).

Objectives

• To estimate influenza vaccination coverage among residents and staff at long-term care facilities for the 2022–2023 season.

Survey Procedure

What is the target population?

This study covers all ESMS facilities with residential care beds for older adults, people with disabilities, or people facing specific challenges, regardless of the facility’s legal status, including ESMS facilities affiliated with a healthcare facility.

However, facilities without residential care beds are not included in the scope of this survey.

How to participate in the survey?

Surveillance of influenza and COVID-19 vaccination among residents and staff in ESMS is conducted by Santé publique France via a form accessible through a dedicated online tool, the SurvESMS tool.

This tool, which is also used to report COVID-19 cases in ESMS facilities, is accessible via the reporting portal of the Ministry of Health.

Data Collected

The information collected is kept to a minimum. It includes:

• the total number of residents and salaried staff at ESMS facilities,

• the number of residents and staff who have been vaccinated against the flu since October 2022,

• and, if possible, these numbers by type of staff (e.g., nurses, nursing assistants, etc.)

The data to be entered into the SurvESMS tool is presented in the survey questionnaire:

• Download: Vaccination Coverage Survey Questionnaire for ESMS

Instructions for entering data are described in the user guide:

• Download: user guide for the vaccination coverage survey in ESMS

Results

• What is the flu vaccination coverage among residents and staff in long-term care facilities? An update. July 2023.