France is reviewing the impact of its most recent influenza season as health authorities balance moderate vaccine efficacy with a notable increase in vaccination rates. According to a report from Santé publique France (SPF), the real-world effectiveness of the influenza vaccine during the 2025-2026 winter season was estimated at 30% against symptomatic flu across all age groups Santé publique France (SPF).
This level of protection is characterized as “moderate” by health officials. The 2025-2026 epidemic lasted 10 weeks, spanning from December 2025 to mid-February 2026, and was driven exclusively by type A viruses. These findings, based on data from the Relab network of city laboratories and the National Reference Center (CNR), are comparable to the effectiveness levels observed during the 2024-2025 season SFMU/APMnews.
Despite the moderate efficacy, there was a significant rise in vaccine uptake. The vaccination campaign, which ran from mid-October 2025 to the end of February 2026, saw coverage reach nearly 50% among all targeted at-risk populations. Specifically, coverage was 56.7% for individuals aged 65 and older and 28.9% for those under 65 at risk of severe influenza. SPF noted that these increases—ranging from 3 to 3.6 percentage points over the previous season—represent the first such rise since the Covid-19 pandemic SFMU/APMnews.
Legislative Shifts and Potential Vaccine Mandates
As France transitions toward the 2026-2027 season, the regulatory landscape for healthcare workers may shift. Article 55 of the Social Security Financing Law (LFSS) for 2026 introduces the possibility of a mandatory influenza vaccination for specific groups. This potential mandate would target healthcare professionals, salaried staff in liberal practice structures, and residents of EHPAD (nursing homes) MesVaccins.
The implementation of this mandate is not automatic. it is subject to a favorable opinion from the Haute Autorité de santé (HAS), which is expected in April 2026. This move reflects a strategic effort to protect vulnerable populations in care settings and ensure the resilience of the healthcare workforce during winter respiratory surges MesVaccins.
Preparing for the 2026-2027 Influenza Season
Logistical preparations for the upcoming season are already underway to avoid supply shortages. The Direction Générale de la Santé (DGS) has confirmed an extension of the pre-order period for seasonal flu vaccines. Pharmacies now have until April 30, rather than the previous deadline of March 31, to place their orders VIDAL.
To further secure vaccine coverage, the DGS has urged pharmacists to increase the volumes of their pre-orders. This proactive measure aims to ensure that the population has adequate access to vaccines as the next winter cycle approaches VIDAL.
Available Vaccines for the Next Cycle
For the 2026-2027 campaign, several vaccine options will be available depending on the patient’s age and health profile:
- Influvac: Available for individuals from 6 months of age.
- Flucelvax: Available for individuals from 6 months of age.
- Efluelda: Specifically for those aged 65 and older.
- Fluad: Specifically for those aged 65 and older MesVaccins.
Understanding the Influenza Virus
The seasonal flu is caused by the influenza virus, an acute respiratory infection. There are three primary types of influenza viruses: A, B, and C. From an epidemiological perspective, types A and B are the most significant. Type A is particularly noted for its high variability, which allows it to frequently bypass human immune defenses MesVaccins.
The virus’s ability to infect and spread is tied to two key surface glycoproteins: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). Hemagglutinin facilitates the attachment of the virus to respiratory cells, while neuraminidase enables the release of new virions from the infected cell through a process called budding MesVaccins.
Key Takeaways from the 2025-2026 Season
- Vaccine Efficacy: Estimated at 30% against symptomatic flu, which is considered a moderate level of protection.
- Epidemic Duration: The season lasted 10 weeks (December 2025 to mid-February 2026) and was driven by type A viruses.
- Coverage Trends: Vaccination rates rose for the first time since the pandemic, reaching nearly 50% for at-risk groups.
- Upcoming Policy: A potential vaccine mandate for healthcare workers and EHPAD residents awaits a HAS opinion in April 2026.
- Supply Chain: Pre-order deadlines for the 2026-2027 season have been extended to April 30.
The next critical milestone for French public health policy is the expected opinion from the Haute Autorité de santé (HAS) in April 2026 regarding the mandatory vaccination of healthcare professionals and nursing home residents. We encourage our readers to share this update and comment with their perspectives on vaccine mandates in healthcare settings.