Last winter was marked by an unprecedented and intense co-circulation of the COVID-19, bronchiolitis, and influenza viruses, which placed particularly heavy strain on hospitals. In this context, a new wave of the Coviprev survey was conducted from September 11 to 18, 2023; the results, published today, show trends in the adoption of preventive measures and the population’s vaccination intentions, particularly against influenza and COVID-19.

The CoviPrev survey, launched in March 2020 among the general adult population residing in metropolitan France, tracks changes in behavior (awareness and adoption of preventive measures, compliance with lockdown measures, perception of the disease, etc.) and mental health (well-being, sleep disorders, depression, etc.) related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Since its inception, several additional modules have been introduced as the survey has progressed, such as tracking uptake of COVID-19 vaccination or influenza vaccination.

Intentions to get the flu vaccine are on the rise, while those for COVID-19 remain stable

Among those eligible for the new COVID-19 vaccine dose, vaccination intentions remain stable (74%) and are on the rise for the flu vaccine among people aged 65 and older, compared to last year (69% in 2023 versus 61% in 2022).

Among participants at risk of severe flu due to their age or risk factors, 49% report wanting to receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines.

Among parents with a child aged 2 to 17, only 13% say they intend to have their child vaccinated, and 11% indicate they were not aware that vaccination was available for children.

Insufficient adherence to preventive measures

Among those surveyed, 60% of respondents would be willing to continue following or follow protective measures more often in the event of a resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic. In contrast, this figure drops by half for other epidemics such as the flu or other winter illnesses, at only 25% and 22%, respectively.

Regarding masks, only 15% of participants reported wearing a mask consistently around vulnerable people, and 14% on public transportation.

Furthermore, only one in two people (54% of respondents) indicated that experiencing symptoms such as a fever or cough would prompt them to wear a mask this winter. This figure is slightly higher than in September 2022 (47%), though there is still significant room for improvement.