ABSTRACT
Like in many countries, the French health authorities are pinning their hopes on vaccination to stop the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, this requires the public to get the vaccine. Based on six COCONEL surveys carried out during and after the lockdown among the general French adult population, which aimed to explore life conditions during this period and individual perceptions of the situation, this paper aims to investigate the acceptability of a putative vaccine against Covid-19 among the French population, and more specifically to compare attitudes among the elderly, who are more vulnerable to the disease, with those of younger people. Out of the 8,036 respondents, 27.5% declared that they would refuse the vaccine if it were available. Among the age groups of particular interest, 29.2% of people aged 18–64 said they would refuse the vaccine, compared to 12.4% of respondents aged 65 or over. For both groups, this refusal rate fluctuated depending on the date of the survey, gender, household composition, level of household income, and uptake of the last flu vaccine. In conclusion, more attention should be paid to elderly people, as they were more likely to report hostility toward vaccination in general. Finally, considering that several vaccines are now available, further studies should be done to study vaccine uptake in relation to the vaccine offered. © Caisse nationale d'assurance vieillesse. Tous droits réservés pour tous pays.
ABSTRACT
Certain percentage of population experiences persistent symptoms months after an acute Covid-19 episode (Long-COVID), with a significant impact on daily-life. Few studies exist on its prevalence and its impact among the general population. The main objective of this survey was to estimate the prevalence of Long COVID among the general adult population in France. Secondary objectives were to evaluate Long COVID management and to assess impact of this clinical condition on quality of life and mental health. Cross-sectional study was performed in March-April 2022 using an online self-administered questionnaire. The sample was selected by the quota method from a panel of volunteers. Its representativeness was ensured by appropriate weighting. Three groups were described: Long-COVID, COVID without persistent symptoms, never COVID. Post COVID-19 condition as defined by the WHO was applied for prevalence estimation. The prevalence was calculated by age and sex. Health care consumption and impact of Long COVID on quality of life and mental health will be studied comparing the three groups, using weighted adjusted polytomic regressions. Here, we present preliminary findings on Long COVID prevalence. There were 27,537 respondents, 52% females, mean age (SD) 49 (±16.5). Confirmed or probable COVID-19 was reported by 33.9% of participants;of whom 85.1% had confirmed laboratory test. Majority (65.1%) had COVID-19 <3 months ago. Long COVID concerned 1,086 (4%) participants. Prevalence was higher for females 4.6% vs. 3.3% for males, and among younger population for both sex groups. Overall, prevalence of Long COVID by age group was: 18-34 (6%), 35-49 (4.7%), 50-64 (3.4%), ≥65 (1.8%). This is a first estimation of Long COVID prevalence among the French population. Representativeness of the sample should be interpreted with caution due to a sample based on volunteers’ response. Ongoing analyses will provide clearer understanding of the impact of Long COVID. Key messages • This is a first estimation of Long COVID prevalence among the French population. • There is a significant portion of the French population impacted by persisting or reoccurring symptoms defined by Long COVID;its impact and care management will be further evaluated.