France Launches Joint Covid-19 and Flu Vaccination Campaign on October 14

National Vaccination Drive Commences

A comprehensive joint vaccination campaign targeting both Covid-19 and seasonal flu is scheduled to begin on October 14, 2025, across mainland France, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and French Guiana. This initiative aims to bolster public health defenses against respiratory viruses during the upcoming autumn and winter seasons. The campaign will extend until January 31, 2026. In Mayotte, the vaccination drive commenced earlier, on September 9, 2025.

Targeted Populations and Eligibility

The campaign prioritizes several key groups identified as being at higher risk of severe illness from Covid-19 and influenza. These include:

• Individuals aged 65 years and older
• Persons aged 6 months or more with comorbidities, such as complicated hypertension, chronic cardiac, vascular, hepatic, renal, or pulmonary diseases, diabetes, obesity, cancers, and transplant recipients
• Immunocompromised individuals
• Pregnant women
• Residents of EHPAD (nursing homes) and USLD (long-term care units)
• Healthcare professionals and those in regular contact with vulnerable individuals

For Covid-19 vaccination specifically, individuals with psychiatric disorders, dementia, or Down syndrome are also strongly encouraged to participate. Furthermore, children aged 2 to 17 years without pre-existing conditions are included in the recommendations for flu vaccination. A minimum interval of 6 months is generally advised since the last Covid-19 infection or vaccination, though this period is reduced to 3 months for immunocompromised individuals and those aged 80 years or older.

Vaccines and Access

For the Covid-19 component of the campaign, vaccines adapted to the LP.8.1 variant, specifically Comirnaty®, will be utilized. These vaccines are fully covered by the Assurance Maladie (health insurance). Flu vaccines are also covered for eligible populations. Both Covid-19 and flu vaccinations can be administered simultaneously during the same appointment. Vaccinations can be performed by a range of healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and midwives, enhancing accessibility across the territories.

Importance for French Guiana and Overseas Territories

The inclusion of French Guiana, alongside Guadeloupe and Martinique, underscores the national commitment to protecting all French territories. These regions often face unique epidemiological challenges, making robust vaccination efforts crucial. The joint campaign aims to mitigate the impact of co-circulating respiratory viruses, reduce hospitalizations, and protect the most fragile members of the community in these overseas departments.