France has extended its national influenza vaccination campaign until February 28 as health authorities respond to a sharp rise in infections among children, amid warnings that the surge could soon affect adults and older people.
French health officials said the decision aims to curb a renewed wave of flu cases after a noticeable increase among children under the age of 15, according to reporting by the French daily Midi Libre.
Authorities fear that sustained transmission among younger age groups could translate into higher demand for medical consultations and hospital admissions in the coming weeks.
Santé publique France said influenza viruses continue to circulate actively across the country, particularly in urban areas. The agency warned that the worsening epidemiological situation could have serious consequences for vulnerable groups.
The Directorate General of Health said more than half of intensive care admissions linked to influenza involve people aged 65 and over, many of whom have not yet been vaccinated. It added that nearly three quarters of patients whose vaccination status was known had not received the flu shot, while flu related deaths have reached levels similar to those recorded at the peak of the previous season.
Although vaccination coverage has improved compared with last winter, it remains below levels needed to significantly slow the spread of the virus. Current data show coverage at 46.3 percent among all target groups and 53.3 percent among older adults.
Preliminary estimates suggest the effectiveness of this season’s flu vaccine stands at 36.5 percent. Health officials said the vaccine still plays an important role in reducing complications, particularly given the significant variation seen in the circulating K sub lineage compared with the A (H3N2) strain included in this winter’s vaccine.
Follow the latest news on Google News
