Reader question: Do I need to show proof of my medical condition to get a Covid vaccine in France?
France has from May 1st opened up appointments for the Covid vaccine to people of any age, if they have one of the listed long-term medical conditions - but what proof do you need to provide of this?
Question: I'm 40 years old, but I have one of listed medical conditions that means I'm eligible for a Covid vaccine, do I need proof of my illness to make the appointment or at the vaccine centre?
On Friday, the French health minister Olivier Véran announced that, from May 1st, all adults who had 'co-mobidities' would be able to access a Covid vaccine in France.
Anyone over the age of 55 - without or without health issues - and healthcare workers were already eligible for the jab.
Now people of all ages suffering from a range of medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension or a BMI of 30 or above can book an appointment for a vaccine. Find the full list of qualifying conditions HERE.
READ ALSO How to book an appointment for the Covid vaccine in France
Later on Friday, the health ministry clarified that a prescription from your doctor certifying that you have one of these conditions was not necessary, saying: "In order to facilitate access to vaccination for those concerned, it is not necessary to present a medical prescription."
But do you need to present any proof at all, such as previous prescriptions for medication or a doctor's letter?
Over the weekend several people reported that booking platforms were still stating that a prescription was necessary, but this appears to be a question of sites not being updated, and by Monday afternoon most had the new requirements.
There were also reports of vaccine centres asking for proof, but again officials said this was down to a lack of detailed guidance being submitted to staff on the ground between the new rules being announced on Friday and coming into effect on Saturday.
"There is nothing to prevent a doctor from asking for proof in case of doubt, but this is not systematic. The directive is very clear", the Health Ministry told Le Parisien on Monday.
Officials from the regional health authority for the Paris area added they had "made it clear on Friday to the vaccination centres that no certificate was required".
The ministry said that a simple 'declaration' - usually ticking a box on the booking form confirming that you suffer from one of the listed conditions - will suffice.
So what's to stop people lying about their medical conditions?
Their honour. You are required to make an attestation sur l'honneur (a sworn statement) that you qualify for a vaccine under the conditions laid out.
READ ALSO What does it mean when you declare on your honour in France?
The ministry also calls on "everyone to be responsible so as not to overload the appointment process".
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Question: I'm 40 years old, but I have one of listed medical conditions that means I'm eligible for a Covid vaccine, do I need proof of my illness to make the appointment or at the vaccine centre?
On Friday, the French health minister Olivier Véran announced that, from May 1st, all adults who had 'co-mobidities' would be able to access a Covid vaccine in France.
Anyone over the age of 55 - without or without health issues - and healthcare workers were already eligible for the jab.
Now people of all ages suffering from a range of medical conditions including diabetes, hypertension or a BMI of 30 or above can book an appointment for a vaccine. Find the full list of qualifying conditions HERE.
READ ALSO How to book an appointment for the Covid vaccine in France
Later on Friday, the health ministry clarified that a prescription from your doctor certifying that you have one of these conditions was not necessary, saying: "In order to facilitate access to vaccination for those concerned, it is not necessary to present a medical prescription."
But do you need to present any proof at all, such as previous prescriptions for medication or a doctor's letter?
Over the weekend several people reported that booking platforms were still stating that a prescription was necessary, but this appears to be a question of sites not being updated, and by Monday afternoon most had the new requirements.
There were also reports of vaccine centres asking for proof, but again officials said this was down to a lack of detailed guidance being submitted to staff on the ground between the new rules being announced on Friday and coming into effect on Saturday.
"There is nothing to prevent a doctor from asking for proof in case of doubt, but this is not systematic. The directive is very clear", the Health Ministry told Le Parisien on Monday.
Officials from the regional health authority for the Paris area added they had "made it clear on Friday to the vaccination centres that no certificate was required".
The ministry said that a simple 'declaration' - usually ticking a box on the booking form confirming that you suffer from one of the listed conditions - will suffice.
So what's to stop people lying about their medical conditions?
Their honour. You are required to make an attestation sur l'honneur (a sworn statement) that you qualify for a vaccine under the conditions laid out.
READ ALSO What does it mean when you declare on your honour in France?
The ministry also calls on "everyone to be responsible so as not to overload the appointment process".
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