Call for vaccination: scientists fear that the anti-vax wave observed in the United States will spread to Europe, and especially France, explains a co

An article by the Institut Pasteur, signed by over 300 personalities, calls for a mobilization against misinformation about vaccines.

Brigitte Autran, professor emeritus at Sorbonne University, expressed concerns on Monday, April 27 on franceinfo that the anti-vax wave observed in the United States “is spreading to Europe, especially France.” Co-signatory of a column supported by the Institut Pasteur, the former president of the Committee for Monitoring and Anticipation of Health Risks (Covars) warns of a possible decline in vaccination rates in France, amidst increasing political tensions on this subject.

During the Vaccination Week, over 300 personalities, at the initiative of the Institut Pasteur, are mobilizing to emphasize the essential role of vaccinations. This column “arises from a concern within our community regarding vaccine hesitancy seen in France”, she explains, “linked to political positions, particularly across the Atlantic.”

Scientists are calling for a collective mobilization against misinformation and challenges to science by the Trump administration. “We are targeting these personalities, but also the potential consequences if France and Europe were to adopt these types of political considerations,” she continues.

“Last year, there was very little vaccination and an extremely severe flu wave”

Brigitte Autran, professor emeritus at Sorbonne University

franceinfo

The specialist also highlights concerning signals regarding the flu: “Last year, there was very little vaccination and an extremely severe flu wave.” Even though the situation has slightly improved this year, “flu vaccination rates have remained at a (…) much lower level compared to other countries, especially our European neighbors.”

For her, the paradox of vaccination success contributes to this decline in vigilance: a disease that disappears is “an invisible victory,” so much so that “when everything is going well, everyone forgets the benefits of vaccination.”