Flu vaccination campaigns underway in France and Tunisia

In France, the Regional Health Agency (ARS) for Grand Est has identified low flu vaccination rates in Alsace as a major concern. For the 2025-2026 season, vaccination coverage among those aged 65 and older in Bas-Rhin stands at 53.6 percent, while Haut-Rhin is at 47.9 percent, both trailing the regional average of 55.7 percent. Officials suggest several factors for this delay, including social inequalities, access to care, and varying levels of trust in vaccination. In Haut-Rhin, the influence of anthroposophy, a movement historically opposed to vaccination, is noted as a potential factor. Additionally, the later arrival of the flu epidemic in Alsace may create a false sense of security among the population.

In Tunisia, the national seasonal flu vaccination campaign has commenced with a focus on high-risk groups and healthcare workers. While the purchase price of the vaccine has decreased from approximately 40dt last year to between 23.3dt and 24.1dt this year, health officials clarify that efficacy remains high. The price drop is attributed to the transition from a quadrivalent vaccine to a trivalent vaccine, which targets the three specific strains expected this season: A H1N1, the K variant of A H3N2, and B-Victoria. The Central Pharmacy has already distributed 280,000 doses.