Seasonal influenza vaccine

Verified 06 May 2026 - Public Service / Directorate of Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Do you want to get vaccinated against the flu? Influenza is a highly contagious acute respiratory infection. It occurs every year and is responsible for death. Vaccination is therefore recommended, especially for the most vulnerable people and pregnant women. It can be done by a doctor, midwife, pharmacist or nurse. These rules apply to all persons in France regardless of their nationality. We explain the points to know.

FYI  

Influenza vaccination is the most effective way to protect the most vulnerable (the elderly, the sick, pregnant women...) and reduce the number of deaths due to influenza. It reduces the risk of serious complications or death.

Every yearHowever, a new vaccine adapted to the circulating strain is being developed.

Vaccination against influenza is done in a single injection, every year in the autumn.

It takes about 2 weeks after the vaccine to be protected.

Influenza vaccine may be combined with tetanus vaccine.

Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended every year in particular for persons:

  • 65 years and older
  • Pregnant women
  • From 6 months of age with a disease (examples: cystic fibrosis, history of stroke, type 1 and type 2 diabetes, HIV infection)
  • Obese
  • Staying in a follow-up care facility as well as in a medico-social accommodation facility regardless of their age
  • Surrounding infants less than 6 months of age with risk factors for severe influenza
  • Entourage of people immunocompromised.

In addition, this vaccination can be offered to children without comorbidity aged 2 to less than 18 years.

FYI  

This vaccine is also recommended for healthcare professionals and any professional in regular and prolonged contact with people at risk of severe influenza. The same applies to cruise ship and aircraft crew and crew accompanying groups of travelers (guides). Finally, this recommendation is also intended for professionals exposed to swine and avian influenza viruses.

Health Insurance sends flu vaccination vouchers from September to October persons considered to be at risk.

If you don't have any vouchers, you can talk to a healthcare professional.

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

You're at risk

You have already received a vaccination voucher

You must go directly to your pharmacist. He will give you the vaccine free of charge on presentation of the voucher sent by your health insurance fund and your Vitale card.

FYI  

If you are an employee and you are recommended for vaccination as part of your professional activity, vaccination is organized by your employer.

You don't have a vaccination voucher

Your doctor, pharmacist, nurse or midwife can give you a voucher to get the vaccine for free.

Ameli puts online a health directory on the Ameli website listing health professionals.

You're not at risk

You can buy your vaccine at the pharmacy without a medical prescription and get vaccinated by the healthcare professional of your choice: doctor, midwife, pharmacist, nurse.  

Ameli puts online a health directory on the Ameli website listing health professionals.

The doctors are authorized to inject the influenza vaccine.

The same is true for students of 3e cycle of medicine under the supervision of an internship master.

The midwives can vaccinate anyone against the flu.

The nurses or nurses can vaccinate against influenza without a prescription for adults and minors 11 years and older.

FYI  

Nurses can also vaccinate a minor up to 10 years on medical prescription.

The pharmacists may prescribe and administer for influenza the elderly of 11 years and older.

The pharmacist must record the vaccination in the health record, vaccination or shared medical record of the vaccinated person.

Other health actors can, under conditions, inject the flu vaccine (example: pharmacy preparer, student in 3e cycle of pharmaceutical studies).

The treatment varies according to the situation:

Répondez aux questions successives et les réponses s’afficheront automatiquement

Person for whom the vaccine is recommended

The vaccine is free.

Children 2 to 17 years old without chronic diseases

The vaccine is managed at 65% by the Health Insurance.

Major not targeted by recommendations

The vaccine is not not refunded.

If you notice an adverse effect on the state of health, following the vaccination, you can report it on the portal "Health reporting ":

Health reporting

Upcoming vaccine obligation

The Law of 30 December 2025 on the financing of Social Security for 2026 provides that, if the HAS: titleContent gives a favorable opinion, a decree will specify the implementation of the vaccination obligation for residents in Ehpad: titleContent.

In the meantime, the content presented on this page remains valid.

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region