Who is involved in the vaccination campaign opened on October 13th?

The vaccination campaign against influenza and Covid-19 begins on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 and is scheduled to end on January 31, 2027. Franceinfo, the Latest News of Alsace and the Telegram describe the same objective: to strengthen the protection of people most exposed to serious forms. However, there are territorial exceptions to the calendar: in Mayotte, the campaign started in September; In Reunion, it follows that of the southern hemisphere. [S1][S3][S4][S5]

Who are the priority audiences?

Sources converge on the main populations concerned: persons aged 65 and over, those with certain chronic or immunocompromised diseases, and pregnant women. For influenza, Public Service states that persons with obesity with a body mass index greater than or equal to 40 are also targeted, as well as persons housed in certain medical or social facilities. [S1][S3][S4][S5]

For the Covid-19, the annual recommendation includes 65 years and over. It is particularly supported for people aged 80 and over, immunocompromised patients, residents of Ehpad and long-term care units, as well as people at very high risk of severe form. Health professionals and relatives of vulnerable people are also encouraged to be vaccinated in order to help protect their environment. [S1][S5]

Immunization remains accessible beyond these audiences. The Covid-19 vaccine is 100% supported for all. Influenza control is fully supported for targeted populations; Franceinfo also reported a refund of 65% for children aged 2 to 17. Access to the vaccine must therefore be distinguished from its repayment conditions. [S1][S5]

Why vaccinate while the flu is still not circulating?

At the start of the campaign, the influenza epidemic has not yet started in Hexagon. DNA reports that, from September 28 to October 4, indicators were at their baseline level, despite some sporadic detections. For the Covid-19, an increase in cases in the city and hospital has been reported since the end of August, but with a lower use of care than one year earlier. These findings describe the situation available, without predicting the intensity of the coming winter. [S1][S3]

The incentive to be vaccinated as early as October responds in particular to the time needed to develop protection: Public Service recalls that the organism takes about two weeks to form antibodies after influenza vaccination. The aim is to reduce the risk of serious complications, without guaranteeing the absence of infection. Franceinfo cites pneumonia, cardiac or neurological complications and destabilization of chronic diseases among the risks that vaccination helps to limit. [S1][S5]

How to receive both vaccines?

The two injections can be made during the same session, on two distinct areas of the body, e.g. both arms. If performed separately, no minimum time is required between influenza and Covid-19. This rule does not remove the time limits specific to the Covid recall: Public Service usually indicates six months after the last injection or infection, reduced to three months for immunocompromised persons and those aged 80 years and over. [S5]

Doctors, pharmacists, nurses and midwives participate in the campaign according to their skills and patient age. Franceinfo and DNA announce 15 million available influenza doses, about one million more than in the previous campaign. Of the five influenza vaccines proposed, Efluelda and Fluad are more recommended to seniors. DNA indicates that the Covid vaccine used this season is Comirnaty XFG. [S1][S3][S5]

DNAs also report a requirement for influenza vaccination, which may be established by a doctor, midwife or pharmacist. The invitation vouchers addressed to the public at risk may take place. According to the daily opinion, this provision should not reduce vaccination coverage: it is a prospective assessment, not yet a measured result. [S3]

What changes for caregivers?

The annual influenza vaccination obligation of the professionals concerned is in preparation and not presented as already applicable at the start of the campaign. Franceinfo reports a recommendation from the High Health Authority in July and the announcement of regulatory texts expected by the end of the first quarter of 2027. DNAs mention the same schedule. [S1][S3]

To improve participation, Health Insurance provides for e-mail and text messages, as well as calls to 250,000 fragile insured guests for the first time. Vaccination is always accompanied by measures to prevent respiratory viruses: aeration, hand washing and wearing masks when the situation warrants. [S1][S3][S5]