End of an epic saga. In force for 18 months, the obligation to vaccinate against Covid is coming to an end. The HAS has, in fact, reviewed its doctrine and now suggests that the injection "be strongly recommended" for the professionals concerned.

"This recommendation to lift the obligation of vaccination" against Covid "does not constitute in any way a questioning of its previous opinions", defends the institution, stressing in passing that "the lifting of a vaccination obligation for professionals does not call into question the interest of this vaccination".

The change of foot is justified by a more favorable epidemic dynamic. "The number of new cases has clearly decreased," while "new variants have appeared whose virulence is less important," explained infectious disease specialist Elisabeth Bouvet at a press conference.

In this context, and with "more than 95% of health professionals" who have received at least two injections, the obligation "is no longer imposed from a scientific and medical point of view," she added.

Message received five out of five by the Minister of Health, François Braun. "I will follow the advice of this scientific authority," he told AFP, promising to "consult hospital federations and orders of health professions to define the modalities of implementation" of the decision.

"The idea is to go fast enough" and that this consultation "takes place in the coming days or weeks", to be able to "reintegrate the professionals in good conditions", said then the entourage of the minister.

Health Minister François Braun leaves the Elysee Palace on March 28, 2023 in Paris © Ludovic MARIN / AFP

The France is thus preparing to join the many other countries that have returned to the vaccination obligation against Covid, such as Germany, Italy, the United States and Australia.

Other States, notably Sweden, Switzerland, Spain and Portugal, have never made use of this obligation.

"Reinstatement of suspended"

Paris had opted for coercion at the end of summer 2021. In the wake of the "health pass" supposed to boost the vaccination of the population, the obligation to vaccinate was required from 2.7 million people: caregivers but also staff of hospitals and retirement homes, ambulance drivers, home help or firefighters.

In the absence of proof of a complete vaccination schedule (two and then three doses), a few thousand have since been suspended, without pay. "A very minority or even marginal phenomenon" for the ministry, which estimates the proportion of hospital workers still concerned "around 0.3%".

In the wake of the "health pass" supposed to boost the vaccination of the population, the obligation to vaccinate was required from 2.7 million people: caregivers but also staff of hospitals and retirement homes, ambulance drivers, home help or firefighters © SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP / Archives

Same tiny proportion on the side of the liberals, where the Health Insurance counted less than 2,000 caregivers suspended in mid-March.

The question of their reintegration has, however, become a political hobbyhorse, especially for the National Rally and La France insoumise.

LFI MP Caroline Fiat, herself a nursing assistant, was quick to react, calling on the minister on Twitter: "You must pronounce the reinstatement of suspended staff because they are not vaccinated without delay. The hospital can't wait any longer!"

His colleagues in the communist group have put the subject back on the agenda of the National Assembly, with a bill insisting on the "devastating effects" of compulsory vaccination in the overseas departments where reluctance is stronger.

But this text could be rendered null and void before its examination in early May, Mr. Braun wishing to ratify "quickly" his decision in a decree. Possibly without waiting for the opinion on the same subject that the National Consultative Ethics Committee (CCNE) must deliver before the summer.

Beyond this sensitive issue, the HAS has reviewed other mandatory vaccinations for caregivers. With contrasting conclusions. It therefore suggests lifting the obligation concerning diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis, except in Mayotte.

On the other hand, it advises maintaining the one against hepatitis B and even extending it further for liberal caregivers "likely to be exposed to a risk of contamination", in particular dentists, surgeons, midwives and gynaecologists.

© 2023 AFP