Severe Flu Season Strains French Hospitals and Highlights Vaccine Shortages

Hospitals activate emergency measures as three flu strains circulate and vaccination rates remain critically low.

Nearly 100 hospitals in France have activated the 'plan blanc' to manage a surge in flu patients, allowing them to recall staff and postpone non-urgent procedures.
The flu season began earlier than usual, with three active strains—H1N1, H3N2, and type B—affecting different age groups and contributing to the strain on healthcare facilities.
Vaccination rates remain insufficient, with only 47.1% coverage last year and fewer doses distributed this season compared to the previous year.
Public health officials report that 79% of patients in intensive care were unvaccinated, emphasizing the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing severe cases.
Experts attribute the crisis to a combination of low vaccination rates, a stretched healthcare system, and the early onset of the flu season rather than the exceptional virulence of the circulating strains.