The 2021-2022 seasonal flu vaccination campaign began on October 18, 2021 in EHPAD and health establishments and on October 22, 2021 in cities.
According to latest data available from Public Health France, influenza activity was increasing in most regions at the end of December.
In order to stem the spread of seasonal influenza, concomitant with the Covid-19 epidemic, the end of the influenza vaccination campaign was postponed from January 31 to February 28, by the DGS on Tuesday January 11, 2022.
Taking data from Public Health France for the week of December 27, 2021 to January 2, 2022, the DGS notes that at the start of surveillance in October 2021, the flu was spreading ” essentially “In children but she” is now on the rise in adults, particularly those 65 and over ».
Vaccination to limit virus transmission and severe forms
The DGS notes that ” after almost 3 months of a dynamic campaign thanks to the mobilization of all, nearly 12 million people have been vaccinated against the flu “. However, she believes that ” There is still significant room for improvement to limit the impact of the flu epidemic »In the face of the intensification of influenza viruses throughout the country.
The DGS warns of the major impact relating to the offer of care, in particular in the hospital, and including pediatric intensive care, that could entail ” the occurrence of an influenza epidemic concomitantly with the 5th vague COVID ».
Faced with these findings, the DGS recommends “ continue the vaccination effort ” in order to ” limit the circulation of the influenza virus in the territory, severe forms, including among the youngest and limit the impact on the health system ».
Nurses, key players in the influenza vaccination campaign
The DGS recalls that ” mobilization “Of the nursing profession remains” primordial », So that this campaign can achieve significant vaccination coverage, especially among the most vulnerable people, who are often the most isolated.
The DGS calls on nurses to ” systematically promote the two vaccinations to the people targeted by the recommendations “, Recalling that” the two injections can be given on the same day, but at two different vaccination sites (one vaccine in each arm) “. Furthermore, ” there is no time limit between the two vaccinations if they cannot be performed at the same time ».
Note that the DGS recommends health professionals to be vaccinated against seasonal influenza, ” in order to protect themselves and not unintentionally contribute to the spread of the infection to their fragile patients ».
For further :
Press release from the Ministry of Solidarity and Health
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