Health authorities have launched the 2026-2027 vaccination campaign for autumn, strongly recommending booster shots against Covid-19 and influenza for older adults, vulnerable populations, and healthcare workers as respiratory virus activity ticks upward.
The autumn season brings the predictable return of circulating respiratory pathogens, prompting coordinated public health advisories across Europe. In France, the government has initiated its seasonal vaccination drive, aligning closely with regional recommendations issued by health councils.
Target Groups and Priority Populations for Autumn 2026
The target groups for the current immunization effort focus squarely on individuals facing the highest probability of severe disease. The Supreme Health Council published its formal guidance, directing the seasonal Covid-19 booster toward specific vulnerable cohorts starting from the age of six months.
Both French administrative guidelines and the broader health council framework emphasize that prioritization extends beyond age thresholds to encompass professional caregivers and close contacts.
- Individuals aged 65 and older
- Residents in long-term care facilities, including nursing homes and specialized medical units
- Immunocompromised patients with weakened immune systems
- Adults aged 50 to 64, pregnant women, and children between six months and 17 years old who carry specific risk factors
- Healthcare professionals and individuals living or working in regular contact with vulnerable populations
Healthy citizens outside these risk categories are not designated as primary targets. However, they may still receive the vaccine on an individual basis after consulting with a healthcare professional.
Patients Can Receive Dual Vaccines on Same Day
For eligible individuals, the operational framework for receiving the dual vaccines is designed for maximum efficiency. Patients who qualify for both immunizations can receive the Covid-19 and seasonal influenza shots on the same day, administered at two different injection sites such as opposite arms.
Health authorities advise maintaining a specific interval following a previous Covid-19 infection or vaccination. The standard waiting period is six months, though it is shortened to three months for immunocompromised individuals and adults aged 80 and older.
Financial coverage varies by status. The influenza vaccine is dispensed free of charge at pharmacies for priority individuals upon presentation of a health insurance card and a designated medical voucher. Home care workers employed by private individuals have their vaccine costs fully covered by health insurance, with notification letters distributed through administrative channels.
Meanwhile, the Covid-19 vaccine is fully covered at 100% by health insurance for all members of the public. Vaccinations can be administered by doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and midwives.
Health Advisors Recommend Vaccines Adapted to XFG Variant
On the medical front, health advisors recommend utilizing vaccines adapted specifically to the XFG variant, with administrations preferably scheduled during October. Messenger RNA products such as Comirnaty and Spikevax are authorized starting from age six months and remain the preferred option for immunocompromised patients, while alternative formulations like Nuvaxovid and Bimervax are designated for individuals over 12 years old.
Active surveillance data shows the campaign is urgent. Public health monitoring has detected a resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 within wastewater systems as well as increased patient presentations among general practitioners, according to infection reports from public health institutes.
The vaccination against Covid remains important, in particular to better protect the people most at risk of developing a severe form of the disease.
Supreme Health Council, via Lalibre
To complement immunizations, agencies continue to advise foundational hygiene measures, including hand washing, room ventilation, and mask-wearing in preventative contexts or for individuals testing positive.