Who should be vaccinated?
Vaccination against seasonal influenza is recommended for the following groups:
Group 1: People at increased risk of complications in the event of influenza (for these people, vaccination is covered by compulsory health insurance, subject to the amount of the deductible):
- of people over 65 ;
- pregnant women and women who have given birth in the last four weeks;
- of children born prematurely
- people (over six months old) suffering from one of the following chronic diseases: heart disease, lung disease (e.g. bronchial asthma), metabolic disorders affecting heart, lung or kidney function (e.g. diabetes or morbid obesity with BMI ≥ 40), neurological disease (e.g. Parkinson’s disease, cerebrovascular disorders) or musculoskeletal disease affecting heart, lung or kidney function, liver disease, kidney failure, asplenia or functional disorder of the spleen: Parkinson’s disease, cerebrovascular disorders) or musculoskeletal disease affecting cardiac, pulmonary or renal function, liver disease, renal failure, asplenia or functional disorder of the spleen, immune deficiency (example: HIV infection, cancer, immunosuppressive treatment).
Group 2: People who, in the course of their private or professional activities, are regularly in contact with :
- people in the previous group ;
- infants under six months of age (who are at greater risk of complications and cannot be vaccinated because of their young age).
Vaccination is also particularly recommended for medical and nursing staff, people working in the paramedical field and employees of crèches, day-care centers, EMS and retirement homes, including students and trainees.
If vaccination is required for work-related reasons, the employer will usually cover the cost.
In addition, seasonal vaccination can be considered for anyone wishing to limit the risk of infection for private and/or professional reasons.
Source: FOPH October 2020
