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—who is most vulnerable to infections—until the newborn receives their first vaccinations.

In 2025, just over 68% of women who gave birth in the region were vaccinated against pertussis. This vaccination coverage has increased significantly since 2023, rising by 31 percentage points.

Regarding vaccination against RSV infections, 50% of eligible pregnant women were vaccinated against RSV during the 2025–2026 campaign. This proportion has increased significantly compared to the 2024–2025 campaign—the first year this vaccination was implemented—representing a 20-point increase. However, even in the absence of maternal vaccination during pregnancy, the infant can still receive protection from birth through the administration 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 aged 65 to 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.

Influenza vaccination coverage among people aged 65 and older increased by nearly 3 percentage points to reach 56% during the 2025–2026 season. This is the first increase observed since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, despite this progress, vaccination coverage still falls short of the 75% target set by the World Health Organization.

Regarding vaccination coverage against pneumococcal infections, 27% of people aged 65 and older at high risk for pneumococcal infections were properly vaccinated in 2025. Vaccination coverage against shingles, meanwhile, remained low, with only 7% of people aged 65 and older vaccinated. 

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.
Among residents in long-term care facilities, flu vaccination coverage was high. With 81% of residents vaccinated during the 2025–2026 season, vaccination coverage exceeded the 75% threshold recommended by the WHO. COVID-19 vaccination coverage, however, was lower, estimated at 60%.

Among healthcare professionals working in nursing homes, flu vaccination coverage remained insufficient, with only 20% vaccinated, despite recommendations and a slight increase compared to the previous season

Vaccination Acceptance

Support for vaccination remained high in the region, particularly among seniors, with 82% of those aged 65 to 79 stating that they were in favor of vaccination in general.