Flu/COVID‑19 Vaccination Campaign: Prevention & Information

The importance of vaccination against seasonal flu and COVID‑19 cannot be underestimated. With both viruses circulating simultaneously, it is crucial that we take steps to protect ourselves and our community. In this article, we highlight the importance of vaccination in the fight against these diseases and announce the 2023‑2024 vaccination campaign, which Pharmafield is actively supporting.

Vaccination Campaign

Campaign Objectives

The importance of herd immunity cannot be underestimated when it comes to combating seasonal flu and COVID‑19. When the majority of the population is vaccinated, it helps create a protective barrier against the spread of viruses. This means that even people who cannot be vaccinated due to medical conditions or allergies are better protected. By reducing the circulation of viruses, we minimize the risk of disease outbreaks and overloading the healthcare system. Herd immunity is a collective effort to protect vulnerable individuals and maintain the health of the community as a whole. Each of us plays a vital role by getting vaccinated, contributing to this collective defense against infectious diseases.

Benefits of Flu Vaccination

Seasonal flu vaccination provides essential protection, especially for vulnerable people. It reduces the risk of serious complications and death from the flu.

Benefits of COVID‑19 Vaccination

COVID‑19 vaccination has proven effective in reducing transmission of the virus, preventing severe illness, and saving lives. It also helps slow the spread of the virus and end the pandemic.

For Whom?

Vaccination against seasonal flu and COVID‑19 targets several groups of people to ensure effective protection. It is recommended to get vaccinated if you fall into at least one of the following categories:

• People aged 65 and over : Older adults are more vulnerable to complications from the flu and COVID‑19, so it is essential that they get vaccinated.
• Pregnant women : Vaccination is recommended from the first trimester of pregnancy to protect both the mother and the fetus.
• People with certain medical conditions : People with certain chronic conditions, including children from the age of 6 months, are at greater risk from these viruses.
• Obese people : People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or greater should get vaccinated to reduce their risk of complications.
• Residents of post‑acute care facilities or residential medical‑social facilities : People living in the community are more likely to be exposed to viruses.
• Family circle of infants under 6 months : Infants and immunocompromised individuals are particularly vulnerable, so vaccination of those around them is crucial.
• Healthcare workers and professionals in regular contact with people at risk of severe influenza : Healthcare workers and professionals in direct contact with vulnerable individuals should be vaccinated to prevent the spread of the virus.
• Professionals exposed to swine and avian influenza viruses : People working with animals or in environments where these viruses are present must take protective measures.
• Children aged 2 to 17 : This year, the seasonal flu vaccine is also offered to children aged 2 to 17 without comorbidities.
• Anyone who wants to : If you are not part of these risk groups, you can still get vaccinated to contribute to collective protection.

Vaccination is a critical way to reduce the spread of seasonal flu and COVID‑19, and it is available to a wide range of people to ensure everyone's health.

Information on Available Vaccines

Several seasonal flu vaccines are available for the 2023‑2024 season, including Fluarix Tetra, Vaxigrip Tetra, Influvac Tetra (from 6 months), and Efluelda (from 65 years). They are 100% covered for those at risk.

For COVID‑19, new vaccines specific to current variants are available, and it's important to note that their cost is fully covered. We strongly encourage everyone to speak to a healthcare professional to learn more about these vaccines and to seriously consider getting vaccinated. These vaccines are designed to provide effective protection against the most recent forms of the virus, and by receiving them, you are helping to protect yourself and the community.

Vaccination Campaign Schedule

The seasonal flu vaccination campaign began on October 17, while the COVID‑19 booster vaccination began on October 2. There is no specific time limit to respect between the two vaccinations if they cannot be carried out on the same day, but it should be noted that it is essential to respect a minimum period of 6 months between two COVID‑19 vaccinations for most people, unless they are immunocompromised, in which case this period is reduced to 3 months.

Vaccination against seasonal flu and COVID‑19 is a vital preventive measure for our health and that of the entire community. By helping promote this vaccination campaign, you are helping to prevent the spread of these viruses. Don't miss this opportunity to protect yourself and those around you. Join us in this crucial public health mission.