The triptych is now well known: 10 million first injections in mid-April, 20 million in mid-May and 30 million in mid-June.
Repeated many times by members of the government, these milestones punctuating the vaccination campaign should enable France to emerge quickly and sustainably from the health crisis.
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If the first milestone had been reached on time, the second seems more problematic. According to the latest data, 15.87 million first injections were recorded on May 2, while a little more than 380,000 doses are administered each day on average in total, first and second doses combined. Under these conditions, the VaccinTracker site, for example, expects 18.68 million first doses as of May 15.
For its part, the executive wants to be reassuring, recalling that the pace of the campaign will continue to accelerate. After 2.7 million doses administered last week, the 3 million mark should be crossed this week, according to the Ministry of Solidarity and Health. An "
extremely strong mobilization
" on the ground also made it possible to avoid a collapse in the number of bites on May 1: around 200,000 injections were counted that day, much more than on the last public holiday, at Easter.
The Janssen vaccine is gradually being deployed: around 60,000 doses have been administered since it was introduced into the countryside a few days ago. The recent opening of vaccination to new audiences is also expected to increase demand. A trend already visible on the ground: "
there has been a very strong increase in the number of appointments made in recent days
", which testifies to a "
really vigorous demand
" on the part of the population, assures- we. Last week, concerns were highlighted on this point, with thousands of slots remaining available in vaccination centers.
"
We will succeed in meeting this objective
" of 20 million first injections, therefore affirms the ministry again.
And the doses will be there, we add: in its latest forecasts, dated at the end of April, the Directorate General of Health (DGS) hoped to have received 77.2 million cumulative doses between the end of December and the end of June.
32.2 million doses are expected in June alone, including nearly 20 million from Pfizer.
The organization of the campaign this summer is being considered
In the longer term, several challenges will arise.
First, convince the recalcitrant: 5 million people over 55 have yet to be vaccinated, assuming 80% national membership.
The subject of vaccination adherence will also arise for the youngest, when vaccination will be open to them in mid-June.
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Then, the organization of the campaign this summer must be thought out in advance, from a logistical point of view. Two main aspects are noted. First, the subject of people who received a first dose before the summer and who will have to receive the second while they are gone on vacation. Then, how to allow the French to receive a first dose at their resort. "
It is a subject of anticipation of the places of displacement of the French, and of organization
", one notes.
For now, the general opening of vaccination remains set for June 15. But if demand weakens and doses do not find a taker, it is not impossible that this milestone will be advanced, in order to avoid wasting doses. One of the priorities remains to ensure that the slots are as numerous as possible, with "
extended hours
", evenings and weekends. A way to attract new audiences and ensure rapid vaccination, essential for successful deconfinement.