COVID Information for France and Aix this week
Autumn respiratory season is revving up and national guidance is shifting from “everyone, every time” to a focus on at-risk groups—though anyone who wants the shot can still get it free. France’s 2025-26 COVID campaign for mainland France runs Oct 14, 2025 → Jan 31, 2026, with co-administration of flu shots encouraged. (Ameli)
France’s ER surveillance (OSCOUR) shows a +37% week-over-week jump in adult emergency visits for suspected COVID in week 38 (Sept 15–21, 2025). Kids dipped slightly that week. (Santé Publique France)
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The Réseau Sentinelles (GP network) estimates ~32,600 new cases that week versus ~26,000 the week before—second consecutive weekly increase, with activity still moderate (≈ 49 per 100k). (sentiweb.fr)
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What this means for Aix / 13 (today) / Regional (PACA) bulletin, Week 38 (published Sept 25): No special COVID alert was flagged; the bulletin focused on other issues (notably mosquito-borne outbreaks). It also reports no excess mortality region-wide. In short: COVID activity wasn’t highlighted as high, but remember the ER signal above is rising nationally. Santé Publique France
Bottom line: we’re in an early-autumn uptick—not a huge wave (so far), but trending upward, especially in adults. Consider masking on crowded buses/shops and timing your autumn booster from 14 Oct 2025 if you’re eligible (or if you just want it). (ameli.fr)
What’s the current guidance (France-wide)?
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Who’s strongly recommended to boost this fall: ages 65+, pregnant people, the immunocompromised, those with certain chronic conditions (incl. obesity, diabetes, cardiac/pulmonary disease), residents of EHPAD/USLD, and people in close contact with vulnerable folks (including health/social-care workers). Anyone else who wants a dose may receive it at no cost. (Ameli)
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Timing window: generally ≥6 months since last infection or dose (3 months if immunocompromised or 80+). (Ameli)
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Vaccine used: 2025 monovalent Comirnaty adapted to the currently circulating lineage (adult + pediatric formulations). (Ameli)
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Flu + COVID together? Yes—same day, different arms; no spacing required if you split them. (Labor Health and Families Ministry)
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Cost: covered 100% by Assurance Maladie. Bring your carte Vitale if you have one. (Ameli)
Smart precautions in Aix (simple, effective)
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Mask up in crowded indoor spots (buses at rush hour, busy pharmacies, cinema lines). Keep one in your pocket; it’s very Aixois-polite.
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Ventilate at home (yes, even when it’s a bit frais—short, sharp window breaks help).
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Wash / gel after markets, boulangeries, and la bise-heavy gatherings.
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Test if symptomatic before lunches with seniors or anyone fragile; if positive, postpone and rest.
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Bundle vaccines: if eligible for flu (and you likely are), do both in one go. Your future self will send a thank-you text. (Ameli)
How to get the booster in Aix (step-by-step)
Option A — Pharmacie (fastest for most people)
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Book a slot on Doctolib: search “Vaccination COVID Aix-en-Provence.” You’ll see local pharmacies (e.g., Pharmacie de la Rotonde, Pharmacie Bellevue, etc.). (Doctolib)
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What to bring: carte Vitale (or ID if you don’t have one), previous vaccine card if handy.
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On the day: arrive a few minutes early, sleeves ready; expect a 15-minute observation period. (Ameli)
Option B — GP / Nurse / Midwife
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Many local médecins and infirmiers vaccinate; book via Doctolib or call your cabinet. Students under supervision may also vaccinate in some settings. (Doctolib)
Can anyone book, even if not “at-risk”?
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Yes—France allows non-target adults to receive the shot free if they wish. (Ameli)
Need a verified list of nearby vaccinators?
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Check the national portal for Bouches-du-Rhône (13) vaccination locations. (Santé.fr)
Key dates (Aix / mainland France)
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Autumn campaign: Oct 14, 2025 → Jan 31, 2026 (mainland). Mayotte starts earlier; not relevant for Aix unless you’re traveling there. (Ameli)
Extra tip for the health-nerds (bonjour, c’est nous)
If you’re juggling timing, evidence suggests early autumn boosters line up best with seasonal peaks—handy for planning around fêtes and travel. (Modeling paper roundup; not France-specific clinical guidance.) (Verywell Health)
Useful official links (France)
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Assurance Maladie – 2025/26 campaign (eligibility, cost, vaccine types, timing). (Ameli)
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DGS-Urgent (Ministry note) — flu + COVID same-day details. (Labor Health and Families Ministry)
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Service-Public — 2025 vaccination calendar changes overview. (Service-Public)
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Sante.fr — live map of vaccinators in 13. (Santé.fr)
Language corner — say it like a local (A1 → Advanced)
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A1: Je voudrais le rappel COVID, s’il vous plaît. (I’d like the COVID booster, please.)
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A2: C’est possible de faire la grippe et le COVID aujourd’hui ? (Can we do flu and COVID today?)
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B1: Ma dernière dose date d’il y a six mois; est-ce le bon moment ? (My last dose was 6 months ago; is this the right time?)
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B2: Je vis avec une personne fragile; je préfère limiter les risques en automne. (I live with a vulnerable person; I prefer to limit risks in autumn.)
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Advanced: Pourriez-vous consigner l’injection dans Mon espace santé et vérifier l’éligibilité au schéma de printemps ? (Could you add it to my health portal and check spring eligibility?)
We keep this post updated with a curated set of official links so you can check the latest without doom-scrolling.
Your turn
How’s it looking in your classroom, office, or bus line this week? Did you book at a friendly pharmacy we should shout out? Drop your tips (EN/FR welcome) below—especially any vocabulary your pharmacist used that surprised you!