The essentials
France launches vaccination campaign October 15 with 15 million doses, targeting elderly and healthcare workers.
France is launching its 2026-2027 flu and COVID-19 vaccination campaign beginning October 15, with health authorities distributing 15 million flu vaccine doses across the country.
The campaign comes after the 2025-2026 flu season resulted in 12,700 deaths in France, underscoring the public health impact of seasonal influenza. French health authorities have identified insufficient vaccination rates among elderly and healthcare workers as a key concern requiring intervention.
To increase accessibility, France is expanding vaccine access through private healthcare practitioners alongside traditional public channels. Health officials are also conducting targeted outreach to 250,000 vulnerable residents to facilitate first-time vaccinations among at-risk populations. These measures represent a comprehensive approach to broadening immunization coverage across diverse demographic and occupational groups.
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Campaign addresses mortality patterns and vulnerable population gaps
The 12,700 deaths from last season's flu demonstrate vaccination's critical role in disease prevention. By targeting elderly and healthcare workers—populations with documented low vaccination rates—authorities address key transmission vectors and protect vulnerable groups most at risk of severe illness.
Multi-channel distribution and outreach expand vaccine availability
Expanding vaccine access through private healthcare practitioners diversifies delivery beyond public health centers, reducing barriers for varied patient populations. Targeted outreach to 250,000 previously unvaccinated vulnerable residents represents proactive engagement with hard-to-reach groups requiring personalized support.