Get the flu vaccine!

Flu, or Influenza, is a viral infection that is particularly prevalent during winter. Catching a flu virus can be very serious – and even fatal – for vulnerable groups (people over 65 years of age, people with chronic illness and those with compromised immune systems following illness or treatment).

• The best means of preventing the seasonal flu virus is vaccination.
• It helps prevent illness and serious complications. Moreover, getting the flu vaccine helps to stop the virus spreading to other people.
• The best time to get the vaccine is October/November as it remains effective for 6 months.
• Vaccination consists of a single injection but it must be repeated every year, as the flu virus mutates from one season to the next.

Vaccines against the 2016/2017 flu strain are available in pharmacies

Vaccines against the 2016/2017 flu strain are available on prescription in pharmacies, and are covered by the National Health Fund (Caisse nationale de santé - CNS) for vulnerable groups and people over 65 years of age. Although the vaccine does not always prevent illness, it significantly reduces the risk of serious complications and death.

The Ministry of Health launches an awareness campaign each year, with a view to achieving sustainable vaccination coverage.

Target audience

The campaign's key targets are:

• people over 65 years of age;
• pregnant women;
• health professionals.

Those who do not belong to one of these specific groups can still protect themselves from the seasonal flu virus and its complications by getting the flu vaccine.

Information materials

Posters and information leaflets are distributed to doctors, clinics, pharmacies, care centres, nursing homes and communes.