France is set to accelerate its Covid-19 vaccine program after the government was criticized for being too cautious to allay fears of vaccine suspects.
Health Minister Olivier Véran announced Thursday night that the vaccine would be available to health workers over 50 from Monday.
Nursing and medical staff were not expected to receive the vaccine until late February according to the government’s initial timetable.
This news came after ministers and officials were accused of cracking down on anti-vaxxers in dispelling the vaccine.
Five days after launching their vaccination program, the latest available figures show that only 332 people in France are circulating. Germany said it gave about 130,000 people the Covid-19 vaccine in the same period, and Italy 8,300. Spain said it was on track to deliver 1.3m doses by Thursday night.
Cases in France
French officials had admitted using a “marathon not sprint” approach to vaccinations after strong public opposition. A Europe-wide poll by Ipsos showed that only 40% of French people questioned whether they were willing to have a Covid-19 injection. France is asking those who receive the vaccine to give written permission after receiving full information about possible side effects and time to consider whether they want it.
Opposition politicians and doctors have criticized this approach.
In his new year speech, Emmanuel Macron said he would not allow “undue delay” in population inoculation due to “bad reasons”. The president called on people to trust their doctors and scientists.
Dr Djillali Annane, head of the emergency service at Raymond-Pointcaré de Garches Hospital in Hauts-de-Seine, said he and colleagues had urged the government to speed up the inclusion program. heard to some extent ”.
“We can’t see any real justification for restricting access to the vaccine for health professionals over the age of 50. No matter what age they are, they are exposed to a very high risk,” he said. The vaccine should be readily available and readily available to all healthy professionals regardless of their age. “
Véran on Thursday night called on the French to be patient. “Some of you have questioned the rhythm of the Covid-19 vaccine in France, just days after it started in Europe,” Véran tweeted.
“Some countries have already been vaccinated; others, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, have not started. Take it easy. In a short time the vaccination campaign is gaining momentum. Vaccination is a historic opportunity to end this illness and return to normal life and we will not miss it. “
He argued that the low number of inoculations was due to the fact that health authorities had chosen to prioritize “vulnerable people in care homes… where there are usually serious cases”.
“Also because of the CCNE [national ethics consultative committee] asking everyone who has been vaccinated to give their informed consent after a medical visit. It is a testament to the trust of our citizens. This level is essential and we will respect it. The vaccine can be given after a license or a few days later. “
Véran said the vaccine would be offered to the elderly “in a few weeks”. “Then we will be at the same level as other countries,” he tweeted.
“We know how to set up big vaccines.”