A few days after the official launch of the vaccination campaign, Prof. Jérôme Salomon, Director General of Health; Dr. Daniel Lévy-Bruhl, head of the Respiratory Infections and Vaccination Unit at Santé publique France; and Prof. Olivier Lyon-Caen, National Medical Advisor to the National Health Insurance Fund, reviewed the results of the 2018–2019 campaign and jointly announced two major developments. For the first time in nine years, figures on vaccination rates among healthcare professionals in healthcare facilities have been released. In other news, the campaign’s communication strategy has been completely revamped and aims to be just as aggressive as the flu itself. The goal is to raise awareness among those at risk—particularly young seniors and pregnant women, two high-risk groups—that the flu can be debilitating and that, in the face of this challenge, the first and best line of defense is vaccination.

Vaccination coverage remains insufficient despite an increase recorded last year

Depending on the year, 2 to 6 million people are affected by the flu. Last winter (2018–2019), the flu epidemic was characterized by significant severity, despite its short duration (8 weeks): more than 65,600 emergency room visits were recorded for flu-like illness, of which more than 10,700 led to hospitalization. Furthermore, 8,100 deaths across all age groups were attributed to influenza.
The vast majority of severe cases (83%) had at least one risk factor for severe influenza: age over 65, chronic illness, etc.
Although vaccination coverage among the population increased during the 2018–2019 season (+1.2 percentage points compared to 2017–18), it remains insufficient, with fewer than one in two vulnerable individuals vaccinated (46.8%)ⁱⁱ. Vaccination coverage among at-risk individuals is thus estimated at 51% for those aged 65 and older (+1.3 percentage points) and at 29.2% for at-risk individuals under 65 (+0.3 percentage points)ⁱⁱⁱ.

The Flu: A Disease Underestimated by Younger Seniors and Pregnant Women

Vaccination against seasonal flu is particularly recommended for so-called “vulnerable” individuals (people aged 65 and older, those with chronic illnesses or severe obesity, and pregnant women). However, younger seniors and pregnant women, who are more vulnerable to the flu, do not always feel that vaccination applies to them.
According to a recent study, the flu is perceived differently depending on whether one has recently had it or not. Among younger seniors, those who have not experienced it or whose memory of it is distant view it as a “minor” illness, while those who have had it are more likely to get vaccinated.
As for pregnant women, it is primarily due to a lack of awareness of the symptoms and severity of the flu, as well as fear of the potential danger the vaccine might pose to their baby, that they do not consider getting vaccinated. In 2016, only 7.4% of pregnant women reported having been vaccinated against seasonal flu, a rate that is significantly lower than that of other at-risk groups.

Healthcare professionals: a vital link to the affected populations

All healthcare professionals, whether they work in hospitals or in private practice, are key players in vaccination and essential liaisons with the affected populations. They are best positioned to inform patients about their vulnerability to the flu and the benefits of vaccination.
Furthermore, vaccinating healthcare professionals who come into contact with people at risk of severe influenza remains essential to prevent the spread of the disease. However, according to a study by Santé publique France conducted with the CPias Nouvelle Aquitaine^vi, vaccination coverage among healthcare professionals in healthcare facilities remains low, even though it has been increasing over the past 10 years compared to the national study on vaccination coverage in healthcare facilities conducted in 2009^vii.
In healthcare facilities, trends vary by profession, with an upward trend for physicians (68%, +13 percentage points), midwives (50%, +27 percentage points), and nurses (36%, +12 percentage points), but remaining stable for nursing assistants (21%, +2 percentage points). In long-term care facilities (Ehpad), average vaccination coverage has shown a downward trend since 2009.

A new public awareness campaign to make an impact

Because a thorough understanding of what the flu is, its symptoms, and its potentially serious consequences is the first step toward vaccination^viii, the new information campaign to be launched on October 27 by the French Health Insurance Fund in partnership with the Ministry of Solidarity and Health, Santé publique France, and the Mutualité sociale agricole, aims to provide those affected with an immersive experience that is as powerful as it is unforgettable.
“This year, once again, the flu will hit hard. Protect yourself against the flu—get vaccinated”… this message will conclude a public service announcement in which a malevolent character—revealed to be the virus—gleefully spreads flu symptoms among his “victims.” With high fever, headaches, intense fatigue, and body aches, the film serves as a stark reminder of just how debilitating the disease can be and how, in the face of this scourge, vaccination stands as the first line of defense.