The flu epidemic in metropolitan France is nearing its finish, with several regions already returning to normal levels of circulation, according to a report released on February 25th by Santé publique France. While the virus continues to circulate, the agency notes a decline in cases and a modest increase in vaccination rates compared to the previous year. This positive trend offers a degree of relief after a particularly challenging winter season for respiratory illnesses.
The report indicates that four regions – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Centre-Val-de-Loire, Île-de-France, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine – have completely moved out of the epidemic phase and are considered to be in a “post-epidemic” state. The remaining nine regions are expected to follow suit shortly. However, the situation remains more active in French overseas territories, with Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Guyane still experiencing ongoing epidemic activity.
While it is too early to assess the full mortality impact of this year’s flu season, early indications suggest it will be less prolonged and less severe than the 2024-2025 season, which was marked by two successive peaks and resulted in over 17,000 deaths. The improvement is partially attributed to increased vaccination efforts, though coverage remains a concern.
As of December 31, 2025, flu vaccination coverage reached 46.3% of individuals targeted by the vaccination campaign, according to Santé publique France. This represents an increase from the 42.5% coverage observed at the same point during the previous season. Among those aged 65 and older, vaccination coverage reached 53.3%, up from 49.8% the prior year. You can find more information about influenza and prevention measures on the Santé publique France website.
Vaccination Rates and the Combined Threat of Respiratory Viruses
Despite the slight improvement in flu vaccination rates, coverage for COVID-19 vaccination continues to decline. By the end of December 2025, just over 15% of individuals aged 65 and older, and less than 13% of the overall at-risk population, had received a COVID-19 vaccine as part of the current campaign. Santé publique France notes that these figures may be underestimated due to differing methodologies in data collection compared to flu vaccination tracking. This decline in COVID-19 vaccination is occurring despite recommendations from health authorities to receive both flu and COVID-19 vaccines concurrently, as a preventative measure against the co-circulation of multiple respiratory viruses.
The current situation highlights the ongoing challenge of maintaining high vaccination rates, even as the immediate threat of the pandemic recedes. The French Ministry of Health emphasizes the importance of vaccination as a key strategy in protecting individuals and reducing the burden on the healthcare system, particularly during the winter months. You can learn more about seasonal flu and preventative measures on the French Ministry of Health website.
Looking Ahead: Monitoring and Continued Vigilance
As the flu epidemic subsides in metropolitan France, public health officials are maintaining vigilance and continuing to monitor the situation closely, particularly in the overseas territories where the virus remains active. The focus will now shift to analyzing the full impact of the season, including mortality data, and preparing for future respiratory virus seasons. Continued efforts to promote vaccination and reinforce preventative measures, such as hand hygiene and ventilation, will be crucial in mitigating the impact of future outbreaks.
The end of this flu epidemic offers a cautious sense of optimism, but it also underscores the importance of sustained public health efforts and individual responsibility in protecting against respiratory illnesses. The data suggests that even modest improvements in vaccination coverage can contribute to a less severe epidemic season.
What are your thoughts on the current state of respiratory virus prevention? Share your comments below, and please share this article with your network to help spread awareness.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content about public health and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of any medical condition.
