As of mid-January 2025, the flu epidemic in France remains at a high intensity level across all age groups. People aged 65 and older account for 67% of hospitalizations following visits to the emergency room for the flu or flu-like symptoms.

The 2024–2025 epidemic is characterized by the co-circulation of three influenza viruses: the two type A viruses, A(H1N1) pdm09 and A(H3N2), and the type B/Victoria virus. This co-circulation of three viruses, which are known to have different impacts depending on age group, is unusual and may explain why all age groups are significantly affected.

At the same time, the COVID-19 virus continues to circulate, thereby increasing the risk of co-infections and severe illness, particularly among vulnerable individuals.

Health authorities are reminding the public of the importance of collective action to curb the spread of respiratory viruses and limit hospitalizations. The joint vaccination campaign against the flu and COVID-19 has been extended until February 28, 2025: vulnerable individuals are urged to get vaccinated without delay.

Vaccination: An Essential Line of Defense

Vaccination offers a dual benefit, providing both individual and collective protection: the more people who are vaccinated, the less the virus spreads. Furthermore, the flu vaccine is an effective way to protect against severe forms of the disease, particularly for those at risk. Vaccination is therefore strongly recommended for people aged 65 and older and their close contacts.

Vaccination against seasonal flu is strongly recommended for:

• people aged 65 and older;

• people under 65 with certain chronic conditions;

• pregnant women;

• people who are obese: body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher;

• people in close contact with infants at risk of severe flu and immunocompromised individuals, with the aim of protecting vulnerable people in their care;

• home care providers for vulnerable private employers eligible for tax exemptions;

• people residing in a post-acute care facility or a medical-social residential facility, regardless of their age;

• professionals exposed to avian and swine influenza viruses.

For these individuals, the cost of the flu vaccine is fully covered. The vaccine can be administered by a pharmacist, nurse, doctor, or midwife. If the coverage voucher is lost or forgotten, the healthcare professional can issue a replacement on the spot, ensuring easy access to the vaccine.

In addition, flu vaccination is also recommended for the family and friends of these vulnerable individuals, as well as for healthcare and social service professionals, in accordance with the coverage guidelines available on ameli.fr.
The COVID-19 vaccine is provided by the healthcare professional without the need to present any documentation. It is fully covered for anyone aged 5 and older.

To support efforts during these final weeks of flu season and ensure that everyone who wishes to be vaccinated can receive the vaccine, the Ministry of Health and Access to Healthcare reminds the public that vaccines are available at pharmacies nationwide. Additional doses are being made available to pharmacies that have reported a need for extra supplies, thanks to the mobilization of stakeholders in the sector.

Preventive measures: simple and effective protection

In addition to vaccination, the daily and rigorous practice of preventive measures is essential to curbing the spread of viruses and preventing infections. These simple yet effective measures help limit transmission, particularly during periods of high circulation of respiratory viruses:

• Wear a mask consistently if you have symptoms (cough, fever, sore throat), but also on public transportation, in other crowded places, and in healthcare settings if you are at risk of developing a severe form of the illness or are in the presence of vulnerable individuals—whether or not you have symptoms. This is a simple measure that limits the transmission of respiratory viruses.

• Wash your hands regularly with soap or sanitize them with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after touching shared surfaces (public transportation, doorknobs, payment terminals, etc.).

• Ventilate enclosed spaces regularly by opening windows for at least 10 minutes several times a day to refresh the air and reduce the concentration of airborne viruses.

By adopting these habits in daily life, everyone can help limit the spread of viruses, prevent severe cases, and reduce the strain on the healthcare system.