"Healthcare professionals are not following flu vaccination recommendations enough, even though the effectiveness of the vaccines is well established."The authors state in the report. "are particularly exposed, both at home and in their workplace, and can be the source of infections sometimes unintentionally, as the flu can be asymptomatic," analysis by Christine Rouzioux, professor of virology and rapporteur of the report.
According to the report, mandatory vaccination would reduce the risks of infection and mortality, as well as the financial cost to society. "The cost of vaccination is much less than the overall cost of the flu: consultations, hospitalizations, intensive care, mortality, and loss of productivity due to absenteeism among infected healthcare workers."which reinforces the "Disorganization of care and services", says Christine Rouzioux.
Fighting against "Vaccine hesitancy"
According to her, the flu costs between 1 and 2 billion euros, compared to 20 to 30 million euros for vaccinating nearly 2 million healthcare professionals. For the third time, after 2020 and 2023, the Academy is taking a position on this issue, which generates considerable debate, particularly regarding the individual freedom of healthcare workers.
“Refusing vaccination for healthcare workers is to deny their medical responsibilities towards the patients in their care.” The authors state this in their report. For Christine Rouzioux, it is necessary to strengthen communication with healthcare professionals by adapting it. "at different levels of knowledge" healthcare workers to fight against "Vaccine hesitancy."
Read alsoThe WHO welcomes the results of its "big catch-up" campaign for childhood vaccinations
"Many feel unaffected because they don't perceive the flu as serious."
“Many feel unaffected, failing to perceive the flu as serious, and neglect to renew their annual vaccination, even though they know that the vaccines are free, well-tolerated, and without side effects.” the authors specify.
At the legislative level, the latest social security financing law provided for this possibility, but only after an opinion from the High Authority for Health (HAS), expected at the beginning of the summer. The last flu epidemic resulted in nearly 1.2 million consultations, 115,000 emergency room visits, 24,000 hospitalizations, and 12,700 deaths (17,900 in 2024-25).
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