The vaccination campaign launched by the government began on December 27, 2020. What is the procedure and what to know before getting vaccinated against Covid19? We put things straight for you.
This Monday, January 18, 2021, the vaccination of over 75s and people "at very high risk of severe form" has begun. Since the launch of the vaccination campaign, information on the subject has circulated en masse and it is difficult to navigate. It is therefore time to take stock of the main information to know before getting vaccinated or accompanying a loved one on their journey.
Where to get vaccinated against Covid19?
The sante.fr site groups together all the vaccination centers by department. You can then make an appointment there to start the process. It is also possible to call 0 800 009 110, the service and the call are free. As a reminder, the vaccine against Covid-19 is not mandatory. This is why, according to the Ameli health insurance website, "The consent must be obtained beforehand and traced in the medical file of the vaccinated person." There is therefore a pre-vaccination consultation: "This medical consultation may, depending on the case, be immediately followed by vaccination", can also be read on Améli's website.
To see also: Covid-19: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, can you get vaccinated?
The vaccine schedule
On December 27, 2020, at the launch of the vaccination campaign, a process aimed at prioritizing according to the profiles and needs of citizens was announced.
- January 4, 2021, professionals in the health and medico-social sectors, firefighters and home helpers aged 50 and over or with co-morbidities have been vaccinated, as well as the elderly in institutions.
- From this Monday, January 18, 2021, it is people aged 75 and over living at home who can be vaccinated as well as vulnerable people at high risk, i.e. those suffering from severe chronic renal failure, organ transplants, suffering from trisomy 21 or advanced cancers.
- From end of February / beginning of March, people aged 65 to 74.
Vaccination will be open to everyone from spring 2021. This concerns:
- People aged 50 to 64.
- Professionals in sectors essential to the functioning of the country in an epidemic period.
- Vulnerable and precarious people and the professionals who support them.
- People living in confined accommodation or enclosed places.
- The rest of the adult population.
Furthermore, if you have already had Covid-19, you do not need to be systematically vaccinated. But you can benefit from it, with the agreement of your doctor, according to the high health authority. The vaccination can be done after a minimum of three months from the onset of your symptoms.
A monitoring system for adverse reactions in place
Adverse effects remain very studied during this vaccination campaign. This is why the National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety is setting up a specific reinforced surveillance system in this regard. If, after your vaccination, you experience unwanted side effects, you can report it to signaling-sante.gouv.fr.
We must continue to watch out for barrier gestures
Studies carried out on candidate vaccines show that anti-covid vaccination makes it possible to reduce severe forms and consequently mortality due to the virus. However, after a vaccination, we must continue to remain vigilant by continuing to apply barrier gestures. Wearing a mask, social distancing and regular hand disinfection therefore remain important to carry out.