"We need to put the emphasis back on vaccination," particularly among the most vulnerable and the elderly, argued the general director of AP-HP Nicolas Revel on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in the face of the flu epidemic, without however commenting on an obligation for caregivers. "The pressure is still quite high in our services and in many other regions (...), there is still time to go and get vaccinated," Nicolas Revel stressed when asked about France Inter.
The seasonal flu epidemic, which usually lasts ten to twelve weeks, intensified in early January, with hospitalizations reaching a level "exceptionally high" Compared to previous seasons, Public Health France highlighted last week. The number of deaths linked to the flu, mainly among those over 65, has increased. "We need to put the emphasis back on vaccination, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable people", Mr. Revel stressed.
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10.3 million doses of flu vaccine distributed so far
If vaccination coverage should "to be a little better than last year", she remains " weak " with some 10.3 million doses anti-flu distributed so far, according to figures put forward by the president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France Philippe Besset. Concerning the vaccination rate of healthcare personnel, it is for this winter 2024 of 19% for the AP-HP, indicated Tuesday Mr. Revel, a figure which is "roughly the national figure."
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The return of compulsory vaccination for caregivers?
Asked about a possible return of compulsory vaccination for healthcare workers, the Minister of Health Yannick Neuder estimated last Friday that "the question will arise" in the future. "Beyond an obligation, I think that what is very important is that we take up the question of vaccination in our country in general", Nicolas Revel said for his part.
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