France Faces flu Vaccine Shortage Amid Record Epidemic Severity
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Teh flu epidemic in France has reached unprecedented levels of severity this year, with emergency services overwhelmed and a record number of flu-related deaths reported since surveillance began. According to Public Health France, the crisis is exacerbated by declining vaccination rates.As of January 4, only 58% of individuals aged 65 and over were vaccinated, a 4-point drop compared to the previous year.
Despite pharmacies playing a pivotal role in vaccination efforts—65% of vaccinated seniors chose pharmacies, a 6-point increase from 2023/2024—supply shortages have left many regions, including provence-Côte d’Azur and Grand Est, without vaccines.
Where Are the Vaccines?
By January 14, only 400,000 doses of flu vaccines remained nationwide, equating to just “a few days of vaccination,” according to Laurent Filoche, president of the Union of Community Pharmacists Groups (UDGPO). Philippe Besset, president of the Federation of Pharmaceutical Unions of France (FSPF), noted that doses were “very poorly distributed,” with 30% of pharmacies fully out of stock.
Pierre-Olivier Variot, president of the Union of Community Pharmacists’ Unions (USPO), highlighted the disparity: “10% of pharmacies hold 50% of the doses.” This uneven distribution has made it challenging for many pharmacies to meet demand, especially as wholesalers struggle to replenish supplies. In the Vosges, such as, only one in three wholesalers had InfluvacTetra available on January 14.
Efforts to Address the Shortage
In response, sanofi announced on January 11 that it would release 250,000 doses of VaxigripTetra, originally intended for foreign markets, to French pharmacies. These doses, though packaged differently, are identical in formulation to those typically used. GSK also made its remaining FluarixTetra stocks available,though the exact number of doses was not disclosed.
However, supplies remain limited. Guillaume Racle of the USPO revealed that only four out of 130 wholesaler-distributor agencies in France still had FluarixTetra stocks as of January 17.
Call for Solidarity
Health authorities have urged pharmacists with substantial vaccine stocks to share supplies with those in need. This call for solidarity aims to ensure that vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, can access vaccines before the campaign ends on January 31.
Key Statistics at a Glance
| Metric | data |
|———————————|—————————————–|
| Vaccination coverage (65+)| 58% (down 4 points from 2023) |
| Doses sold by January 4 | 10.5 million (0.9% less than 2023) |
| Remaining doses (Jan 14) | 400,000 |
| Pharmacies without vaccines | 30% |
The flu epidemic’s severity underscores the importance of vaccination.As supplies dwindle, the need for equitable distribution and increased public awareness remains critical. For more updates on the flu vaccine campaign, visit RFI.
Stay informed and protect yourself—check with your local pharmacy for vaccine availability and act quickly to secure your dose.
Flu Vaccination Campaign: Pharmacists Bear the Brunt as Calls for Systemic Changes Grow
As the 2023-2024 flu vaccination campaign nears its end, the spotlight is on the challenges faced by pharmacists and the need for systemic improvements. With over 12.5 million doses pre-ordered by pharmacists nationwide, including nearly 11 million by city pharmacists alone, the burden of managing vaccine distribution and stock has fallen heavily on their shoulders.
The Weight of Duty on Pharmacists
Pharmacists are being urged to increase their vaccine orders by 10% for the next campaign, but this comes with meaningful financial risks.Philippe Besset, president of the FSPF, highlights the dilemma: “I usually order 660 doses of vaccines. If I am told to order 900 for next season and I don’t deliver everything,who will pay me for the remaining stocks?”
The financial burden is undeniable. Guillaume racle,a pharmacist,notes that at €7.50 per vaccination, losing 20% of doses could wipe out their entire margin. “The DGS,apart from telling us to order,is not getting any further involved. The financial risk is the pharmacist who takes it,” he adds.
To mitigate these risks, Besset suggests negotiating with laboratories to secure the network, such as committing to taking back 20% of stocks. However, the current recovery rate for unused doses varies between 5% and 20%, leaving pharmacists in a precarious position.
Short-Lived Success and Media Impact
The recent appeal by the French Directorate General of Health (DGS) to intensify vaccinations had a brief but noticeable impact. Guillaume Racle observed a spike in vaccinations, with 5 to 10 flu vaccinations per day immediately after the declaration. However, this surge was short-lived, dropping to just 1 or 2 vaccinations daily within three days.
Between January 7 and 14,only 180,000 additional vaccinations were recorded,including over 110,000 among people aged 65 and over. This highlights the need for more sustained efforts to boost vaccination rates, especially among vulnerable populations.
Calls for Systemic Changes
Pierre-Olivier Variot, a key figure in the vaccination campaign, advocates for systematic care for people aged 65 and over, “without vaccination voucher.” This approach could streamline the process and ensure broader coverage.
Additionally, the newly appointed Minister of Health, Yannick Neuder, has reignited the debate on compulsory vaccination for healthcare workers.This proposal,coupled with the extension of vaccination to other groups like children,could significantly enhance public health outcomes.
Regional Cooperation and Challenges
In regions like Île-de-france and PACA, pharmacists have organized troubleshooting systems to address vaccine shortages. Cyril Colombani, president of the USPO in Alpes-Maritimes, explains that retrocession of influenza vaccines, previously prohibited, has been authorized in PACA under strict conditions. “The fact of retroceding is ARS-dependent,” notes Pierre-Olivier Variot, emphasizing the need for national guidelines from the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM).
Pharmacists are resorting to creative solutions, such as using coolers or cold boxes to transport doses, ensuring temperature control over long distances.
Key Takeaways
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Pre-Orders | 12.5 million doses pre-ordered, 11 million by city pharmacists. |
| Financial risk | Pharmacists bear the cost of unused doses, risking margins. |
| Media Impact | Brief surge in vaccinations post-DGS appeal, followed by a sharp decline. |
| Systemic Changes | Calls for compulsory vaccination for healthcare workers and broader access.|
| Regional Solutions | Retrocession authorized in PACA; troubleshooting systems in Île-de-France.|
Looking Ahead
As the 2024-2025 flu season approaches, the need for systemic reforms is clear.Pharmacists, while pivotal to the campaign, cannot shoulder the entire burden alone. Collaborative efforts between the DGS, laboratories, and regional health agencies are essential to ensure a more efficient and equitable vaccination strategy.
What are your thoughts on the role of pharmacists in national vaccination campaigns? Share your insights below and join the conversation on how we can build a more resilient healthcare system.
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For more facts on flu vaccination strategies, visit the French Directorate General of Health.Flu Vaccine Shortages Loom as Pharmacies Struggle with Orders and State Intervention Urged
as the next flu season approaches, concerns over vaccine availability are mounting.Pharmacies across the country are grappling with complex ordering systems and stringent conditions from suppliers, raising fears of potential shortages. according to Guillaume Racle, one of the key challenges lies in the way doses are ordered. “Pharmacies are required to order doses for the next season in the form of credit,” he explains. “In addition, one of the actors tells us that he will take the remaining doses if and only if the pharmacy fills 75% of its flu vaccine orders with him.”
This conditional approach has left many pharmacies in a precarious position, struggling to meet the demands of their communities. The situation is further complicated by the need to balance orders for trivalent vaccines, which exclude the B/Yamagata strain, while ensuring thay remain eligible for marketing authorization and reimbursement.
Calls for State Intervention
Philippe Besset, a prominent voice in the pharmaceutical community, has called for public authorities to step in. He argues that buffer stocks should be established to mitigate potential shortages.Laurent Filoche echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the need for government action. “The only way to improve the situation is for the State to buy the stocks,” he asserts. This approach mirrors strategies employed during the Covid-19 vaccination campaign, where state intervention played a crucial role in ensuring vaccine availability.
Pharmacists’ Dilemma: Promoting Vaccination Amid Challenges
While pharmacists remain committed to promoting vaccination, the current system places significant strain on their operations. “Pharmacists promoting vaccination,yes,but not at any cost,” the article notes. The reliance on credit-based ordering and supplier conditions has created a challenging environment, forcing many to navigate a delicate balance between meeting demand and managing financial risks.
Key Points at a Glance
| Issue | Details |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Ordering system | pharmacies must order doses in the form of credit, creating financial strain. |
| Supplier Conditions | Suppliers require 75% of orders to be filled with their products. |
| State intervention | Calls for buffer stocks and state-purchased reserves to prevent shortages. |
| Trivalent Vaccines | must meet marketing authorization and reimbursement criteria.|
Looking Ahead
As the flu season approaches,the need for a more enduring and reliable vaccine distribution system becomes increasingly apparent. The lessons learned from the Covid-19 pandemic highlight the importance of proactive measures and state involvement in ensuring public health. For now, pharmacists continue to advocate for vaccination, but the challenges they face underscore the urgent need for systemic change.
What are your thoughts on the current vaccine ordering system? Should the state take a more active role in managing vaccine stocks? Share your opinions and join the conversation below.
(Sources: GERS DATA, Trivalent Vaccines)
Summary and Key Points:
- Flu Vaccine Campaign Challenges: The 2023-2024 flu vaccination campaign has faced distribution and supply issues, wiht pharmacists under pressure to increase orders while managing financial risks.
- Pharmacist’s Burden:
– Pharmacists pre-ordered around 12.5 million doses, with city pharmacists accounting for nearly 11 million.
– increased orders (10%) come with financial risks as pharmacists bear the cost of unused doses.
- Shortages and surges in demand cause fluctuations in vaccine availability.
- Short-Lived Campaign Impact: A recent appeal by the French Directorate General of Health (DGS) temporarily boosted vaccinations,but the effect was short-lived.
- Calls for Systemic Changes:
– Systematic vaccination for those aged 65 and over is suggested.
– Compulsory vaccination for healthcare workers and expansion to other groups like children are debated.
- Regional Cooperation: Some regions have implemented troubleshooting systems and authorized vaccine retrocession to address shortages.
- Looking Ahead: More collaborative efforts are needed, including involvement from the DGS, laboratories, and regional health agencies, to create a more efficient vaccination strategy.
- Concerns About Upcoming Season: As the next flu season approaches, pharmacies grapple with complex ordering systems and stringent supplier conditions, raising fears of potential shortages.
- Sources:
- RFI:
- French Directorate General of Health:
