The vaccination campaign has started in France, at a slow pace.

In nursing homes, residents carry out pre-vaccine consultations with their doctors, in order to decide whether they will consent to the injection.

A long journey for caregivers who try to explain the benefit-risk balance to the elderly. 

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France is advancing cautiously in its vaccination campaign.

Only 138 people received the injection of the Covid-19 vaccine in three days, compared to more than 40,000 people in Germany, for example.

A slow pace, assumed by the government which indicates taking "the necessary time" in the face of skepticism.

The campaign continues in around twenty nursing homes this week.

In particular in Sartrouville, in the Yvelines, where consenting residents will be vaccinated on Thursday.

Europe 1 was able to attend discussions between residents and doctors.

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Madeleine, 94, leaves her room for her appointment with the coordinating doctor of her nursing home, for a pre-vaccination consultation.

"The objective today is to explain the interest of vaccination", explains the professional to the nonagenarian.

A little indecisive a few weeks ago, Madeleine no longer asks herself any questions.

She says yes to the vaccine, especially to protect those she loves.

"Because that's the point of interest, not protecting me. What do you expect to happen to me, I'm locked up," retorts the resident. 

A necessary consent journey

After a discussion on the balance between the benefits and the risks of the vaccine, Madeleine is more serene.

"What we want is that you do not have a serious form, that we do not have to hospitalize you", explains the doctor.

"There are enough people in the hospitals, they don't need my presence", ironically Madeleine.

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To give her consent, Madeleine first had to fill out a form in early December, then talk to her attending physician and then with the coordinating physician.

A long journey necessary for Yann Reboulleau, president of the Philogéris group.

"Consent is not a snapshot. Consent is an appreciation you have. People decide to get vaccinated because they have thought about it."

Of the 36 residents of this Ehpad, 13 have agreed to be vaccinated.

They will receive the first injection on Thursday.