Key Points

For Pregnant Women

For pregnant women, four vaccinations are recommended: vaccinations against pertussis
, influenza, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). These vaccinations
help protect both the pregnant woman and the newborn until the baby receives its first vaccinations, when it is most vulnerable to infections.

In 2025, 14% of women who gave birth in French Guiana were vaccinated against pertussis
. This vaccination coverage has been rising since 2023 (+11 percentage points).

During the 2025–2026 RSV immunization campaign, 7% of
eligible pregnant women in French Guiana were vaccinated against RSV. This figure is up
from the 2024–2025 campaign (+5 percentage points), when this vaccination was first implemented. If the mother was not vaccinated against RSV during pregnancy, the infant can be protected from birth through an injection of monoclonal antibodies.

For people aged 65 and older

For people aged 65 and older, vaccinations against pneumococcal disease and shingles
have been recommended for everyone since 2025, in addition to vaccinations against seasonal influenza, COVID-19, and booster shots against diphtheria, tetanus, and polio (DTP). Vaccination against RSV infections is also recommended starting at age 75, and for people between the ages of 65 and 74 with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions. These vaccinations are part of a strategy to protect older adults against respiratory infections, which are responsible for numerous hospitalizations and complications such as cardiovascular events, cognitive decline, and loss of independence.

In the region, influenza vaccination coverage among people aged 65 and older
increased by more than 3 percentage points, with 18% of people vaccinated during the 2025–2026 season. However, it still falls far short of the 75% target set by the World Health Organization.

In French Guiana, 8% of people aged 65 and older at high risk for pneumococcal infections were properly vaccinated against pneumococcal infections in 2025. And only 2% of people aged 65 and older were vaccinated against shingles in 2025.

Among residents and staff working in long-term care facilities for the elderly

For residents and staff working in long-term care facilities for the elderly (Ehpad), vaccinations against influenza and COVID-19 are recommended in addition to preventive measures to protect the most vulnerable individuals.

Flu vaccination coverage among residents and staff working in long-term care facilities for the elderly was unavailable in French Guiana during the 2025–2026 season.

Vaccination Uptake

Vaccination acceptance remains high in the region, particularly among seniors, with 72% of those aged 65 to 79 stating that they are generally in favor of vaccination.