Protecting people the most at risk and on the front lines against Covid… This is the conclusion made by members of the Scientific Committee, the Covid-19 vaccine Committee and the Care (Committee for assessment, research and expertise) as released on July 24, 2020 in a formal notice, as for prioritizing people for vaccines. A notice also followed by the Haute Autorité de Santé that kept four scenarios on July 28 as part of the first vaccine campaign. This Sunday November 29, 2020, they also announced in a release – to be presented tomorrow Monday November 30 – their guidelines as for the vaccine strategy “depending on the actual arrival of vaccine doses”.
Who should be prioritized for the upcoming vaccine? Health caregivers first, then people in direct contact with the population, like storekeepers, respite caregivers, teachers, bus drivers and so on. A “very highly prioritized” targeted population including 6.8 million people (including 1.8 million people being in the healthcare system).
So far, only elderly people living in nursing homes have been allowed to get vaccinated from the beginning of the vaccination campaign, back in late December. Then, from January 5, healthcare givers, firefighters, and home helpers 50+ years of age have been allowed. People over the age of 75 had to wait until January 18, so have people suffering from chronic diseases, including all age ranges. Healthcare givers of all age have been allowed to get vaccinated since February 6. City doctors are allowed since February 25 to vaccinate all age ranges, including people between the age of 50 and 64 suffering from comorbidities. And since March 1, people between 65 and 74 can get vaccinated.
This Wednesday March 3, 2021, the Haute Autorité de Santé added - as to comorbidities and chronic diseases - new pathologies enabling those suffering from them to get vaccinated from now. Are included people suffering from mental disorders, dementia, chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis, as well as people with stroke history. New illnesses are added to the already existing list, including obesity, cancers, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory failure, heart failure, malignant hypertension.
For the record, three vaccines have been approved in Europe including Moderna, Pfizer, and AstraZeneca. A fourth one, by Johnson & Johnson, is being studied for upcoming marketing approval.
