Emmanuel Macron ruled on Wednesday that the vaccination of children against Covid-19 was "desirable" but without obligation, while deeming "possible" in the long term a vaccination obligation for all.
“Between 5 and 11 years, the health authorities explained that this would protect,” he said on TF1.
"And so I think it is desirable", but "they rarely have severe forms even if in recent weeks, we have had dozens of cases of children (...) with severe forms.
After that, it is the choice of parents ”.
“Between Christmas and New Year, we will have very strong pressure on our hospital,” concedes the president.
Without however announcing the putting under the bell of the country.
Read also Covid-19: France, Germany, Austria ... Why is this new wave "carried" by children?
Asked about the hypothesis of a vaccine obligation in the long term, including for adults, as for tetanus, he judged it "quite possible", even if he did not mention a decision in this direction. for the moment.
Towards regular reminders
Because, he argued, the health pass has already instituted "almost a vaccination obligation".
"We are almost there", he repeated, "when more than 90% of those who were to be vaccinated were vaccinated".
But on this subject "we will look with pragmatism in the coming weeks", he declared, without further details.
And "it is likely that we will go towards regular reminders", continued the Head of State, citing as an example the annual flu vaccine - which is not compulsory.
The flu “every year comes back with a slightly different form, you have to be revaccinated to have good protection”.
"Many of our compatriots are tired of this situation" he admitted, "I am like you".
But he defended himself from having set up a "permanent control society" because of the epidemic, and preferred to speak of a "vigilance society" or "responsibility".
The pass will remain provisional, he also assured: "it is obvious since I do not think that we go for all eternity with this virus".
He finally called again the "more than 5 million of our fellow citizens who are not vaccinated with the responsibility because they are not protected".
The most fragile children can receive their first dose of anti-Covid vaccine since Wednesday morning.
Soon every 5-11 year old should also be able to get vaccinated.
Italy will launch on December 16 and the United States has already taken a big lead.
