Covid-19. 4th dose spread to vulnerable people

Given the current epidemic context, the Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday the extension of the availability of 2^e booster dose (usually one 4^e dose) to all vulnerable people over 18 years of age, that is, suffering from concomitant diseases (obesity, diabetes, cirrhosis, etc.).

This also applies to pregnant women from the first trimester of pregnancy and to all people who live around fragile people. The issue of making this second booster dose mandatory for healthcare personnel has not been decided by the authorities. There are currently no plans to extend the campaign to the general population, as it is reserved for the over-60s for now.

Steady pace

These statements correspond to the recommendations of the French National Health Authority and take into account the fact that the BA.4 and BA.5 variants, which are currently responsible for most infections, are less immunizing. People who are eligible for a second booster dose and who have been infected with Covid still need to get this injection. Only in this case the rule “one infection = one injection” will no longer work. On the other hand, 3 months should be maintained between the end of the infection and the booster dose.

In total, this brings the number of people eligible for 2 to 17 million^e booster dose. Health authorities insist that eligible people get their booster shots as soon as possible without waiting for future vaccines (Sanofi, Hipra, or new versions from Pfizer and Moderna), which are not known when they will receive their marketing approval.

So far, just over 4 million of these fourth doses have been taken, and the figure remains steady despite the start of the summer holidays.

According to the latest available data, the week of July 4th was particularly intense, with 738,000 injections (mostly fourth doses) administered, which was not reached since February. The city’s health professionals represent 95% of these statistics. There are still only 250 vaccination centers in the area, most often limited to a few hours a week and for limited indications (such as pediatric vaccinations).

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