Flu Epidemic Waning in Mainland France, Vaccination Rates Improve

The flu epidemic in mainland France is nearing its end, with several regions already returning to normal levels of circulation, according to a report released on February 25th by Santé publique France. While the virus continues to circulate, the agency notes a decline in cases and a modest increase in vaccination rates compared to the previous year.

Regional Trends and Current Status

Four regions – Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, Centre-Val-de-Loire, Île-de-France, and Nouvelle-Aquitaine – have completely moved out of the epidemic phase and are considered to be in a “post-epidemic” state. The remaining nine regions are expected to follow suit shortly. However, the situation remains more active in French overseas territories, with Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Guyane still experiencing ongoing epidemic activity.

Mortality and Severity

It is still too early to assess the full mortality impact of this year’s flu season, but early indications suggest it will be less prolonged and less severe than the 2024-2025 season, which was marked by two successive peaks and resulted in over 17,000 deaths [Santé publique France].

Vaccination Rates

The improvement is partially attributed to increased vaccination efforts, though coverage remains a concern. As of December 31, 2025, flu vaccination coverage reached 46.3% of individuals targeted by the vaccination campaign [Santé publique France]. This represents an increase from the 42.5% coverage observed at the same point during the previous season. Among those aged 65 and older, vaccination coverage reached 53.3%, up from 49.8% the prior year.

Extended Vaccination Campaign

France extended its flu vaccination campaign to February 28th to boost winter protection amid a new, more contagious strain of the virus [Connexion France]. The campaign began on October 14, 2025, and was originally set to finish on January 31, 2026.

Epidemic Levels and Hospitalizations

As of mid-January 2026, seasonal flu had reached epidemic level in all regions of mainland France [Connexion France]. The incidence of flu cases seen by GPs was estimated at 186 per 100,000 inhabitants, equivalent to around 125,955 new cases. Hospitalizations following consultations remained low at 0.7% [Connexion France].

Overall Respiratory Infections

Overall acute respiratory infections – including flu, Covid-19, RSV, rhinovirus, and metapneumovirus – were reported at a rate of 371 cases per 100,000 inhabitants [Connexion France]. Approximately 86% of flu patients were unvaccinated, and 22% had risk factors for complications.

Flu Activity Intensified in Late 2025

The flu epidemic in France intensified sharply as 2025 came to a close, with over 18,500 emergency visits related to the flu during the week ending December 28, representing 5.2% of all emergency visits—a rise from 4% the previous week [France in English]. Hospitalizations due to Influenza A also climbed, with 3,606 admissions, or 4.8% of all hospitalizations.

You can find more information about influenza and prevention measures on the Santé publique France website.