France: Flu Epidemic Ending in Mainland – Vaccination Rates Improve
The influenza epidemic in mainland France is waning, with several regions already returning to normal circulation levels, according to a report released on by Santé publique France. While the virus continues to circulate, the agency notes a decline in cases and a modest improvement in vaccination rates compared to the previous year.
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 now 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.
This positive trend offers a degree of relief after a challenging winter season for respiratory illnesses. While it is still 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 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 , 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. These figures, while improved, highlight the ongoing need for broader vaccine uptake, particularly among vulnerable populations.
The current influenza season began earlier than in previous years, as noted by the Institut Pasteur in a report released on . The report emphasized that while seasonal influenza is typically a mild illness, it can be fatal, especially for individuals with underlying health conditions.
Data from the week ending , showed a surge in flu cases nationwide, with over 18,500 emergency visits related to the flu, representing 5.2% of all emergency visits – a rise from 4% the previous week. Hospitalizations due to Influenza A also climbed, with 3,606 admissions, representing 4.8% of all hospitalizations. While cases decreased slightly among children under 15, likely due to the school holiday period, seniors aged 65 and above continued to experience the heaviest hospital burden and mortality.
Flu-related deaths rose to 4.1% of total deaths from 2.7% the week before, predominantly affecting older adults. This underscores the importance of vaccination and preventative measures for this age group.
While vaccination against influenza has seen a modest increase, vaccination rates for COVID-19, which health authorities recommend be administered concurrently with the flu vaccine, continue to decline. As of , just over 15% of individuals aged 65 and over, and less than 13% of the overall at-risk population, had received the COVID-19 vaccine during the current campaign. Santé publique France notes that these figures may be underestimated due to changes in data collection methodology.
The ongoing circulation of influenza, even as the epidemic wanes in many regions, emphasizes the importance of continued vigilance. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms – fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue – should consult with a healthcare professional. Preventative measures, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick, remain crucial in limiting the spread of the virus.
The extension of the flu vaccination campaign to the end of provides an opportunity for those who have not yet been vaccinated to receive protection against this potentially serious illness. Continued monitoring of the situation, particularly in overseas territories where the epidemic remains active, will be essential in guiding public health strategies.