“Will the fourth dose be compulsory for travel in Europe and outside Europe? » The question is put to us by Ghislaine, from Marseille (Bouches-du-Rhône).
No Ghislaine, you don’t need a fourth dose of vaccine against the Covid-19 to travel in Europe and outside Europe, answers the Directorate General of Health (DGS). Indeed, since Thursday April 7, 2022, this second booster is not compulsory but recommended to all people over the age of 60 (whose last injection dates back more than six months) and to immunocompromised people.
Before your departure, do not hesitate to consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for more information on the conditions of access according to your country of destination.
Towards a new vaccine booster in the fall?
Facing the scenario “highly likely” of an imminent resumption of the circulation of Covid-19 in France, the health authorities recommend a new booster vaccine in the fall for all people at risk, including this time those with comorbidities. French people at risk of serious forms of the disease, such as diabetics, obese people or people with psychiatric disorders, would be eligible.
The objective is to” to anticipate “ pour “limit the impact of a future wave, in particular on the most fragile”to reduce mortality “associated with Covid-19 and the spread of the epidemic, maintaining the capacities of the healthcare system and the vital operating needs of the country”explained the High Authority for Health (HAS), Wednesday May 25, in a press release.
Because, even if the epidemic seems to be stabilizing in France, “it is highly likely that the circulation of the virus will periodically re-intensify”underlines this health authority giving advice to the government.
At this stage, the Borne government invites the “the most fragile people to continue to have barrier gestures, protect themselves, get vaccinated”said Brigitte Bourguignon, the new Minister of Health, on RTL during his first interview in his new role.
Read also: Covid-19. After a trip abroad, under what conditions can one return to France?
How many fourth doses were injected?
Until then, the rate of vaccination with the second anti-Covid reminders, reserved for those over 60 and the immunocompromised, has stagnated. For the past month, there have been approximately 25,000 injections of these fourth doses (more numerous for some immunocompromised) per day. Among those over 80, some 20% received this dose. Among those aged 60-79, it is even less, around 7%.
As for a possible fourth dose of vaccine for the entire population, it is not on the program, for the moment. But, as the uncertainties remain ” many “ on the turn that the epidemic will take in the fall, in particular under the effect of more severe or transmissible variants, the HAS judges “necessary to be ready to anticipate the pessimistic scenario” which would require a fourth dose for all adults.