Virological indicators continue to rise

In Week 47 (November 21–27, 2022), despite strike action at some private clinical laboratories, all virological indicators from SI-DEP as well as those related to healthcare utilization remained consistent. A clear acceleration in SARS-CoV-2 circulation was observed, with incidence and positivity rates calculated from antigen tests and all tests once again on the rise.

Healthcare utilization for COVID-19 continues to rise

In week 47, healthcare utilization for suspected COVID-19 continued to rise, with 2,999 visits to SOS Médecins (+7%) and 3,734 emergency room visits (+23%) recorded. This increase affected all age groups, with the exception of those aged 15–44 in the SOS Médecins network.

Hospital indicators, meanwhile, remained stable (unconsolidated data) with 4,909 new hospitalizations recorded (up 1%), including 469 (up 0%) in critical care. However, the consolidation of data for week 47 is expected to confirm the upward trend that began last week. The number of deaths in hospitals and long-term care facilities remained down (352, a decrease of 10%, unconsolidated data).

Omicron is circulating almost exclusively in France, and its BA.5 sublineage remains ubiquitous

In mainland France, BA.5 (all sublineages combined) accounted for 93% of interpretable sequences in the Flash S45 survey (November 7, based on 844 interpretable sequences). Data from the Flash S44 and S46 surveys are not available due to an insufficient number of sequences—resulting from the suspension of operations at private medical laboratories—to yield robust and interpretable proportions.

Among these sublineages, detection of the BQ.1.1 sublineage (including its sublineages) continued to increase, accounting for 49% of interpretable sequences during the Flash S45 survey (vs. 34% for Flash S43). The BA.4 sublineage (including all sublineages) continued to circulate, but at low levels, accounting for 2% of interpretable sequences during Flash S45 (vs. 4% in S43). The detection of L452 mutations by screening tests remained stable at high levels (91% in S47 vs. 90% in S46), consistent with the circulation of BA.4 and BA.5 observed through sequencing. Additional information is available in the risk analysis dated November 16, 2022.

Vaccination remains essential for eligible individuals

As of November 28, only 7.2% of those aged 60–79 and 9.4% of those aged 80 and older had received a booster tailored to the Omicron variant (10.0% and 11.3%, respectively, among eligible individuals)^¹. Furthermore, 82.8% of those aged 65 and older had received at least one booster dose.

Among those aged 60–79, 31.6% are considered protected by vaccination if they have received a recent dose within the past 6 months, as are 13.0% of those aged 80 and older who have received a dose within the past 3 months (all vaccines combined). These proportions do not account for SARS-CoV-2 infections that may have occurred during this period.

In this context, a boost to vaccination is necessary, particularly through a booster dose with a bivalent vaccine (against the original strain and the Omicron variant) for eligible individuals who have received their initial vaccination (starting 3 or 6 months after the last injection, depending on current recommendations).

Furthermore, for individuals at risk of developing severe forms of influenza and COVID-19, vaccination against the influenza virus is also recommended. Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations can be administered during the same visit.

Adherence to preventive measures must be stepped up given the circulation of several respiratory viruses (COVID-19, bronchiolitis, and influenza)

To protect yourself and those at risk of severe forms of COVID-19, the implementation of preventive measures, including mask-wearing, remains necessary and must be emphasized to protect the most vulnerable. Adherence to other recommended measures also remains necessary: self-isolation in the event of a positive test and/or symptoms.

In the context of a major bronchiolitis outbreak, parents of infants and young children, as well as those in their immediate circle, are also advised to adopt preventive measures to limit the transmission of the virus causing bronchiolitis.

In addition, Santé publique France has published an update on the epidemiological situation among children aged 0–17 and an update on reports of nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infections.

For more information on COVID-19, surveillance systems, and vaccination, visit the Santé Publique France resource page and the Vaccination Info Service website. For more information on regional data, consult the regional epidemiological reports. Find all open-access data on Géodes.