Vaccinating vulnerable populations remains a major public health challenge in France. These populations, which are particularly at risk of severe forms of infection, are the subject of targeted vaccination recommendations, but their vaccination coverage depends on multiple factors: access to care, perception of risk, and willingness to be vaccinated. The latest data on adult vaccination for the year 2025 show mixed results across the population: while an increasing number of pregnant women are choosing to get vaccinated, vaccination coverage among older adults—as well as among healthcare professionals—needs to be further improved. These data confirm the importance of promoting vaccination by highlighting its essential role in protecting against many infectious diseases and reducing the risk of infection, particularly among the most vulnerable individuals.

People Aged 65 and Older: A Population Supportive of Vaccination but Still Insufficiently Protected

Over time, the immune system becomes less effective, making older adults more vulnerable to infections, which can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations, or even death. 

The latest edition of the Santé publique France Health Barometer showed that 81% of people aged 65 to 79 say they are in favor of vaccination. However, too few people aged 65 and older are protected by vaccination: 

• 57% are vaccinated against seasonal flu, an increase from the previous year (+3 percentage points). Efforts must, however, continue to meet the target set by health authorities and the World Health Organization (WHO), which is for 75% of people at risk of severe illness to be vaccinated.

• 5% are vaccinated against shingles;

• 26% of people at high risk of pneumococcal infections are fully vaccinated; 

• 17% are vaccinated against COVID-19.

Pregnant Women: Vaccination Rates Are Rising Sharply, Which Also Protects Newborns

There are effective and well-tolerated vaccines to protect pregnant women and infants, starting at birth, from highly contagious and potentially serious diseases. In 2025, an increasing number of pregnant women were vaccinated: 

• 71% are vaccinated against pertussis (vs. 62% in 2024). This increase is partly due to intensified outreach efforts targeting pregnant women, particularly since the pertussis outbreak in 2024.

• 53% are vaccinated against RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) infections, which cause bronchiolitis in infants (vs. 33% in 2024). If vaccination was not administered during pregnancy, it is recommended that monoclonal antibodies be given to the infant to prevent bronchiolitis.

Long-Term Care Facility Staff: Vaccination Rates Still Very Low, Despite a Slight Improvement

Annual vaccinations against the flu and COVID-19 are recommended for residents of social and medical-social care facilities, including nursing homes, regardless of their age, as well as for the staff who work there. 

• 25% of staff working in long-term care facilities were vaccinated against the flu during the last winter season. Although the proportion of vaccinated staff increased by 4 percentage points after several years of decline, it remains at a low level.

• 5% of nursing home staff were vaccinated against COVID-19.