Seasonal influenza vaccine

Verified 28 September 2026 - Public Service / (Prime Minister)

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 performed for example by a doctor, midwife, pharmacist or nurse. These rules apply to any person regardless of nationality. We will 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 year, a new vaccine adapted to the circulating strain is being developed.

The flu vaccination is done in a single injection, every year, in the fall.

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

Influenza vaccine can be combined with all vaccines.

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

  • Aged 65 and over
  • Pregnant women
  • Persons under 65 years of age, including children from 6 months of age, with the conditions listed in the table in Annex 1 to this document
  • Obese with a body mass index (BMI) greater than or equal to 40 kg/m2
  • 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 (examples: prematurity, heart malformation, neurological disease, ALD)
  • Entourage of people immunocompromised.

In addition, anyone who wants to be vaccinated - even if they are not part of the target - can receive a dose of seasonal flu vaccine. This is particularly the case for children aged 2 to 17 years without comorbidities whose vaccination allows indirect protection of a broader protection.

FYI  

This vaccine is also recommended for healthcare professionals and any professional in regular and prolonged contact with people at risk of severe influenza.

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

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

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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 uploads a health directory on the Ameli website listing health professionals.

You're not at risk

You can buy your vaccine at the pharmacy and get vaccinated by the healthcare professional of your choice: doctor, midwife, pharmacist, nurse.  

Ameli uploads a health directory on the Ameli website listing health professionals.

Several health professionals are concerned by this faculty.

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Doctor

He can prescribe and inject the vaccine to any person.

Pharmacist 

They can prescribe and inject the vaccine for anyone 11 years of age and older.

Pharmacy preparer under the supervision of the pharmacist

He can prescribe and inject the vaccine to anyone 11 years and older (on medical prescription of the act and the vaccine).

Midwife

They can prescribe and inject the vaccine to anyone.

Nurse

They can prescribe and inject the vaccine for anyone 11 years of age and older.

He can inject the vaccine to under 11 years on medical prescription of the act and the vaccine.

Student of 3^th cycle of medicine under the supervision of an internship master 

He can inject the vaccine to any person under the supervision of a supervisor (on medical prescription of the act and the vaccine).

3rd cycle student in pharmacy 

As part of an internship under the supervision of a supervisor or as part of a replacement of a pharmacist holding a pharmacy, he can inject the vaccine to any person 11 years and older (on medical prescription of the act and the vaccine).

FYI  

The healthcare professional can indicate the flu vaccination information in your profile My health space, to facilitate the traceability of this vaccination and medical follow-up.

The treatment varies according to the situation:

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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 vaccination, you can report it on the portal "Health reporting " :

Health reporting

Upcoming vaccination obligation

The Law of 30 December 2025 on the financing of Social Security for 2026 provides that, if 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.

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