France Expands Vaccination Eligibility... "Anyone Aged 75 and Over Can Get Vaccinated"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The French government announced that it will expand the priority groups for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination, allowing anyone aged 75 or older or those with high-risk diseases to receive the vaccine. This move is interpreted as a measure to expand vaccinations amid criticism that the vaccination pace is slower compared to other countries.

According to major foreign media including the Associated Press (AP), on the 18th (local time), the French government stated that elderly people aged 75 and above, as well as individuals with high-risk diseases such as cancer, chronic renal failure, Down syndrome, and organ transplant recipients regardless of age, can receive the vaccine. Previously in France, except for residents of elderly care facilities, priority vaccinations were given to certain occupational groups such as care facility workers, medical staff, caregivers, firefighters, and housekeepers. The French government estimated that about 5 million people aged 75 and older are eligible for vaccination, along with approximately 800,000 people with high-risk diseases.

The reason for expanding the vaccination target is reportedly due to sluggish vaccination performance. The French government had set a goal to vaccinate 1 million people by the end of this month, but as of the 17th of this month, only about 422,000 people in France had received the COVID-19 vaccine.

To get vaccinated in France, individuals must find and book an appointment at a vaccination center through the Ministry of Health website or hospital reservation applications (apps), or make a reservation by phone or through their primary care physician. Although reservations have been available since last week, the Ministry of Health website was sometimes paralyzed due to a large number of people trying to access it simultaneously. Additionally, elderly people found it difficult to make reservations online without assistance and had to rely on phone calls, which also became difficult to connect, causing confusion.

Minister Olivier V?ran, during a press briefing at a vaccination center set up at Grenoble University Hospital on the same day, said, "Not everyone can get vaccinated in one day," and urged patience, stating, "As soon as we secure supplies, everyone will have the opportunity."