France COVID-19 Employer Resources

According to a March 13, 2021 report from France 24, “Despite rising COVID-19 cases, the administration of President Emmanuel Macron has not to date declared a new national lockdown, opting instead to tighten measures locally in hard-hit towns like Nice and Dunkirk, but Paris has been spared so far.

‘”I call on everyone, and especially those who live in the capital, to be extremely careful, wear the mask and respect social distancing. The aim is to reduce the pressure on the hospital system,”‘ Castex said during a visit to a hospital.

“The number of people with COVID-19 in intensive care units on Friday exceeded 4,000 for the first time since Nov. 26, with nearly 1,100 COVID-19 patients in ICUs in the Paris region alone. In Paris and the surrounding region, healthcare managers say the intensive care units are close to being overloaded.

“Castex said that in the Ile-de-France region around Paris the vaccination campaign would be sped up this weekend, with the delivery of 25,000 extra doses.”

At this stage, the vaccine is not compulsory. However, the French government is considering developing a medical passport to indicate if a COVID-19 vaccination has been given to an individual or not.

COVID-19 vaccine considerations for France

  • Can employers mandate the vaccine?
    No
  • Who will control delivery of the vaccine?
    Federal and provincial governments
  • Who covers the cost of the vaccine?
    Government
  • Where will people get vaccinated?
    Dedicated vaccination centers, however people living in retirement homes will be vaccinated in the facility where they live.
  • Is there cultural resistance to getting the vaccine?
    Yes

French people do not like vaccines, but why? According to Bloomberg, “While France has its share of anti-vaxxers, the main reasons for skepticism are questions about efficacy and a fear of side effects, rather than outright opposition. France is also vulnerable for other reasons: It’s a highly-medicalized society where antibiotics have tended to be over-prescribed, pushing people toward natural remedies. Even 26% of French doctors think some recommended vaccines are useless. Vaccine hesitancy isn’t new, but it’s complex.”

More Information

Experts welcome France’s COVID-19 vaccine strategy – with caveats

More statistics and data about France and COVID-19

France’s vaccine skeptics are the ones to watch

This information is provided by Gerep, Asinta's partner in France.

Employee Benefits in France

Get insights on mandatory and common supplementary employee benefits in France.

Learn More

Top 6 Vaccine Considerations

Use our decision matrix to help support your employees.

Learn More

Page last modified: March 14, 2021

The information presented on this site is current as of the date initially posted; and, because matters related to COVID-19, the vaccine, and compliance measures are changing so quickly, it may not be current as of the date you read it. While the information gathered here is from Asinta global partners who are subject matter experts in their respective fields, this information is not meant to be a substitute for individual legal or medical advice, or as a substitute for advice in your specific situation.

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