Flu-related deaths in France surged to 611 last week, prompting the Health Ministry to urge heightened vigilance. While vaccine availability is assured through January, regional shortages have emerged due to uneven distribution. Pharmacies are struggling with limited stocks, and health officials are calling for equitable responsibility in vaccine allocation. The urgency for additional doses is increasing, with some vaccines redirected for domestic use. Over one million doses remain available, ensuring access for those seeking vaccination.
Flu Deaths Surge in France: Health Ministry Urges Vigilance
Last week, France witnessed a troubling rise in flu-related fatalities, with 611 deaths reported. Given the ‘intense’ spread of the virus and its strain on healthcare facilities, the Ministry of Health has called for heightened vigilance to safeguard the most vulnerable populations. They assured citizens that there would be sufficient vaccine doses available for administration through the end of January.
Vaccine Shortages: Uneven Distribution Across Regions
Despite the assurance of vaccine availability, certain regions are experiencing dwindling supplies, raising concerns among health officials. Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the Union of Community Pharmacists’ Unions, highlighted this disparity, stating that while 400,000 doses were left at the beginning of the week, a significant portion—50%—was held by only 10% of pharmacies. He pointed out that there were only two wholesalers distributing vaccines across the country, leading to a situation where individuals are visiting multiple pharmacies in search of doses.
These shortages can be attributed to pharmacies placing their orders annually based on the previous year’s vaccination rates. With the 2023 vaccination rate falling below 20%, pharmacists faced challenges in predicting demand accurately. Variot mentioned that although vaccination efforts were initially slow, there has been a surge in recent weeks, leading to higher numbers than pre-2019 levels. He expressed frustration over the current risk borne solely by pharmacies, calling for a more equitable distribution of responsibility among the state and wholesalers.
As the flu epidemic peaks, the urgency for solutions grows. Variot emphasized the need for a prompt response from the Ministry to release additional doses expected in the coming days. Charles Wolf, Sanofi’s director for France, confirmed that several hundred thousand vaccines originally destined for other countries would now be allocated for domestic use. In the interim, some regional health agencies have permitted pharmacies with surplus vaccines to share them with those facing shortages.
To ensure that all individuals who wish to be vaccinated can do so by the campaign’s end in January, the Directorate General of Health (DGS) reiterated that doses remain accessible in pharmacies nationwide. They also indicated that additional doses could be made available if needed, thanks to the collaborative efforts of industry stakeholders. Current estimates suggest that over one million doses are still present in cities and hospitals across the country, providing hope amidst the ongoing supply challenges.