The French government on Thursday unveiled its Covid-19 vaccination strategy, vowing transparency as it sought to placate fears and growing levels of scepticism in France over the safety and efficacy of the new vaccines, reports FRANCE 24.
The French government will begin its vaccine rollout in January, with nursing homes first in line before the programme is extended in February to the vulnerable elderly and those with underlying health conditions. By spring, the vaccine is expected to be available to the rest of the population. Vaccination will be free of charge for everyone but it will not be mandatory.
The French will have access to both the Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna vaccines, available at the earliest towards the end of December, if not from January, after regulatory approval from the European and French health authorities.
But one of the government’s biggest hurdles will be overcoming the high level of distrust of vaccines in France – one of the highest in Europe – which could hinder efforts to combat the coronavirus and potentially delay a return to “normal” life.
French prime minister Jean Castex stressed the need for clarity when he outlined France’s vaccination plan. "I am committed to full transparency and information-sharing on the decisions we will take," he said.