Covid-19. Why does the campaign for the fourth dose vaccine stop among people over 60?

Just over a third. According to the latest figures released by Santé Publique France (SPF), only 41% of those aged 60-79 (and 53.3% of those aged 80 and over) are eligible for the fourth dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. to receive a dose, which he received on November 14. The next day, the Minister of Health, Francois Brown, called for the acceleration of the vaccination campaign;elderly and infirm people», adding that the recent campaigns have so far.not yettheir goals. Only “About 10-15% of the target people are vaccinated.” Against Covid-19, the minister also expressed regret.

The recommended time between two injections is three months for those over 80 and six months for those aged 60-79 because of the latest arrival of bivalent vaccines; these new vaccines are effective against the original strain of Covid-19 and Omicron BA. , subtypes BA.4 and BA.5.

Vaccine fatigue?

Therefore, it is not enough to satisfy the state authorities, although this fourth ration is open to people over 60 from April 7. “I think our compatriots are tired of vaccinations“, – wants to believe Philippe Besset, the president of the Federation of French Pharmaceutical Trade Unions (FSPF). “Today, the recommendation to take a new dose every three or six months is unreasonable. Patients do not want to be vaccinated as often», adds this pharmacist representative, who advocates “one vaccination each year between November and January “.

According to the General Directorate of Health, since October 3, 71% of vaccine reminders have been carried out at the pharmacy.

A more fragile immune system

The circulation of the virus remains good.”active», reminds of SPF. Even more so among people over 60, where the incidence reached 357 cases per 100,000 between October 31 and November 7, compared to 258 for the entire population over the same period. “Probably because people in this age group have a more fragile immune system, which leaves more room for the virus to circulate.», analyzes Philippe Amouille, an epidemiologist and professor of public health at Lille University Hospital.

Let’s remind that the government has set a warning threshold of 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. “We are still surprised by this vaccine fatigue, which is also visible in many other countriesPhilip Besset is surprised. In Germany, for example, only 34.8% of residents aged 60 and over received two doses.

Avoid severe forms of Covid

Will these fragile people think that the epidemic is over? “Above all, I think they saw that the new versions were less pathogenic than the first strain. They are probably less afraid», deciphers Philippe Bessette. “Pedagogy is designed to encourage these audiences that this reminder is all the same– adds Pierre-Olivier Vario, president of the Union of Community Pharmacists (USPO). “People need to understand that this reminder will prevent them from having a serious form and that it is important to protect themselves again», he presses.

Pierre-Olivier Vario sees another reason. “We do not yet have a single dose vial. When I don’t have the bottle open so as not to waste it, I suggest a meeting. Some people refuse because they want to get vaccinated right away. Immediacy makes a big difference», assures. According to him, today one bottle contains “about six servings“and”its shelf life outside the refrigerator is six to twelve hours».

Among attending physicians, among whom 19% of vaccine reminders were made on Oct. 3, according to Public Health France, the problem appears to be the same. “I have a patient who had no problem with vaccination and was very reluctant– says Agnes Jannotti, President of MG France Association of General Practitioners. “It is more difficult to convince people now. They don’t care if the vaccine is now bivalent or not– he thinks.

Having a connection problem?

These bivalent vaccines, which were included in the vaccination campaign carried out by the Haute Autorité de Santé last September, “there comes a time when these fragile patients feel that they must be vaccinated for life», observed by Pierre-Olivier Vario. “There may not be enough communication from the government about the importance of the recall», he notes.

Indeed, his scientific interest is preserved. And it even looks double. “Fragile people remain at risk of developing a serious form, and they need to be protected. Then back epidemics of influenza and bronchiolitisToo many serious forms of Covid will cause real overcrowding problems in hospitals– assures epidemiologist Philip Amuiel. “But it’s not too late! A second boost produces antibodies within a short period of two to five days. There may be an incentive», he hopes