Overview

• The HAS has officially updated its influenza vaccination strategy, prioritizing Efluelda and Fluad for individuals aged 65 and older.
• This policy shift follows the exceptionally severe 2024–25 flu season, which caused over 29,000 hospitalizations and elevated mortality among older adults in France.
• Efluelda, with a higher antigen dose, and Fluad, featuring an adjuvant, have shown a 15–25% greater efficacy in reducing hospitalizations compared to standard-dose vaccines.
• The recommendation marks a reversal of previous positions, as these vaccines had not been preferred due to a lack of perceived benefit over competitors.
• Efluelda's return to the market is anticipated but contingent on pending reimbursement and pricing negotiations with the HAS.