Study on Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Healthcare Professionals and Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities, 2020–2021 Season

Starting November 3, 2020, Santé publique France is launching an online survey to assess influenza vaccination coverage among healthcare professionals and residents of nursing homes.

Vaccination

Vaccination

thematic dossier

Contagious diseases most often affect children at a very young age. Because children are particularly vulnerable, they are a priority target for vaccination programs.

A Vaccination Coverage Survey

The 2020–2021 flu vaccination campaign is taking place against the backdrop of a unique public health situation due to the potential simultaneous circulation of COVID-19 and influenza viruses. This potential co-circulation underscores the importance of vaccinating individuals for whom seasonal flu vaccination is recommended, as well as healthcare workers, in accordance with the vaccination schedule.

The challenge of improving influenza vaccination coverage among vulnerable individuals at risk of developing severe influenza and among healthcare professionals is more of a priority than ever this year.

In accordance with Information Note No. DGS/SP1/DGOS/DGCS/2020/161 of September 23, 2020, regarding the procedures for collecting certain data on healthcare facilities and residential care facilities for dependent elderly individuals necessary for the strategic and operational monitoring established for the 2020–2021 flu season, a surveillance system has been established, including, in particular, monitoring of vaccination among the most vulnerable and at-risk populations—those exposed to the dual burden of influenza and COVID-19—with a specific focus on vaccinating residents in long-term care facilities (Ehpad) and the staff working in these facilities.

Survey Objectives

To estimate influenza vaccination coverage among staff and residents of long-term care facilities for the 2020-2021 season.

Survey procedure

Surveillance of influenza vaccination among residents and staff in nursing homes is conducted by Santé Publique France via a form accessible through a dedicated computer application.

Long-term care facilities were asked to submit their data by November 13, 2020.

Survey results

The data were analyzed by Santé publique France and are available below.