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EXPLAINED: Who qualifies for a second Covid vaccine booster in France?

The Local France
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EXPLAINED: Who qualifies for a second Covid vaccine booster in France?
Photo by CLEMENT MAHOUDEAU / AFP

The French government has expanded the list of groups who are eligible for a second booster shot of the Covid vaccine and is urging all those who are eligible to get their second booster - here's who qualifies.

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Getting a second booster is voluntary. Since the vaccine pass was scrapped there is no requirement to get a booster to keep the pass active, but it is recommended for certain groups.

Who qualifies for a 4th shot now?

Until early December, the fourth dose of the Covid vaccine was only available for certain populations. However, on December 9th, French Health Minister François Braun, announced on BFMTV that the second booster would now be open to all groups.

Previous government rules dictated that the second booster vaccine was reserved for priority groups. In early December, pharmacists remained unsure of whether rules had been officially changed, and according to Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the Union des syndicats de pharmaciens d'officine, some pharmacies "could [still] refuse" to vaccinate anyone under 60 "because there are no clear rules."

Boosters can be done three months after an infection with Covid-19, or three months after the last injection for people over 80 years, residents of Ehpad and immunocompromised people. For the others, it should be done six months after the last dose received.

The published on July 21st of those eligible for the second Covid booster included those with a long-term illness, a compromised immune system or a chronic medical condition, and everyone aged 60 and over.

Previously, you must have received your first booster shot more than six months ago and be either:

  • Aged 60 or over
  • Aged 18-59 with a serious medical condition such as cancer patients, dialysis patients or transplant patients that pits you at high risk of developing the most serious forms of the virus
  • Aged 18-59 with a condition that puts you at higher risk of developing the most serious forms of the virus, including obesity (a BMI 30 or over), diabetes, a suppressed immune system, renal, cardiac or respiratory problems (including asthma) or high blood pressure. You can find the full list of conditions here
  • A pregnant woman
  • Either living with or in regular close contact with a person at high risk from the virus 

Priority groups have been encouraged by the government and health authorities not to wait for an invitation and instead to make an appointment directly with a pharmacy, GP or vaccine centre.

Boosters for children

In addition to a fourth shot, the government has also opened up the standard booster shot programme to certain groups of under 18s.

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Adolescents aged 12-17 are encouraged to get a booster dose if they live with an immunocompromised person.

Additionally, anyone aged 12 and over, who had their most recent dose of Covid-19 vaccine at least three months ago can get their first booster dose.

Vaccination is also open to all children ages 5 to 11 years old, but it requires parental authorisation (the form can be found here). 

Find an appointment

If you qualify you can book an appointment directly, there is no need to wait for an invitation.

Appointments for vaccinations are open on online medical platforms including Doctolib, as well as via your primary care physician or through a pharmacy.

If you are 80 years or older, you can call 0 800 730 957 (free call) to be put in touch with a health professional who can come to your home to deliver the vaccination.

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Many of the large vaccine centres have now closed down.

To find a location near you, you can look here.

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Anonymous 2022/07/21 11:30
Interesting that at a time when the French Government are collecting stats on vaccine and period issues they are still authorising a booster for pregnant women

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