Flu impact in France
France experienced a high-intensity 2024/2025 influenza season, marked by significant hospital burden, elevated mortality among older adults, and renewed policy efforts to strengthen vaccination access. Notably, people aged 65 and older made up approximately 92% of all influenza-related deaths.
2025/26 Season outlook
The flu season arrived earlier than expected, with France described as being 'in the grip of an epidemic'. The vaccination campaign was extended to February 28 due to ongoing circulation.
- VCR at 44% in 65+ at the end of December – down from 54% the previous year
- Vaccination campaign extended to February 28 due to ongoing circulation
- France described as being 'in the grip of an epidemic'
Data at a glance
Comparing flu burden across total population and 65+ adults.
21.5%
Popuplation
Total: 68.4 Million
Over 65: 14.7 Million
92%
Deaths
Total: 4,925
Over 65: 4,546
60%
Hospitalizations
Total: 29,100
Over 65: 17,460
2.7M
Flu cases / ICU
ILI consultation
€6,266
Cost / Admission
Total: €4,319
Over 65: €6,266
53.7%
VCR
Total: 46.5%
Over 65: 53.7%
General population vs older adults
Side-by-side impact across key metrics for total population and 65+.
Hospital admissions
Total Population: 29,100
Over 65: 17,460 (60%)
Deaths
Total Population: 4,925
Over 65: 4,545 (92%)
Cost per hospitalization
Total Population: €4,319
Over 65: €6,266
Vaccination coverage rate
Total Population: 46.5%
Over 65: 53.7%
Financial burden on France
The mean cost of hospitalizations for influenza and pneumonia among adults aged 65+ over six seasons (2012–2017) was estimated at €6,266. During severe seasons between 2010 and 2018, the average total cost of influenza-related hospitalizations was €145.5 million, with adults 65+ accounting for more than 67% (€98.3 million).
COST PER HOSPITALIZATION
€4,319
Total population
COST PER HOSPITALIZATION (65+)
€6,266
Older adults
2025/26 COST UPDATE
Paper published in December 2025 evaluates the cost of hospitalizations and deaths between 2010 and 2020.
Policy context & vaccination strategy
In response to a high-burden 2024/25 season, French health authorities extended the influenza vaccination campaign through February 2025. In May 2025, new guidance from the Haute Autorité de Santé introduced an update recommending the use of age-appropriate vaccine formulations for adults 65+.
Regional case studies and perception research are being explored to provide on-the-ground illustration of how influenza burden, surveillance, and policy play out in practice.
Data limitations
The Sentinelles surveillance network recorded approximately 2.7 million ILI consultations but age breakdowns were not available. The network's GPs make up only approximately 2.1% of total GPs in metropolitan France.
Public perceptions of influenza
Survey data coming soon
Local perceptions survey data for France will be added in an upcoming update, including public attitudes toward flu vaccination and risk awareness.
Closing the protection gap in France
Whether you shape policy or deliver care, the evidence is clear: older adults need better protection against seasonal influenza. Use this data to drive coordinated, evidence-led change.
Reports & scorecards
Flunomics global reports
Global Report 2.0
Coming Soon
The 2025/2026 global report will be available here.
Global Report 1.0 - English
The 2024/2025 global report with comprehensive data and analysis.
