Evening Update Thursday 9 February 2023

The HAS, the French High Authority of Health, has recommended the vaccination of all children aged 2 to 17 against influenza. The organization said today that it recommends that vaccination against seasonal flu be offered each year to children without comorbidities aged 2 to 17 years old, without it being made compulsory. The objective is to enable its reimbursement and to limit the spread and impact of the flu on the population. The HAS said that the five existing vaccines can be used, but that it has issued a preferential recommendation for the one administered by nasal spray. The opinion of the High Authority of Health is only a recommendation but is usually followed by the government. Each year, seasonal flu affects two to six million people in France, and is responsible for an average of around 9,000 deaths.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne and Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin have been in the Nord department today. They visited a cosmetics factory where they discussed the government's planned pension reforms. Days of action against the reforms are still planned for this Saturday and next Thursday. Speaking to French media today, union leaders say they are also considering taking intensified strike action starting on March 7.

The government in Monaco has made a decree under which many business premises will be required to turn off their lights after 11pm. In line with its energy management plan, the government has laid out the procedures for switching off interior lights, as well as facades, windows and signs in certain business premises, which will be in force until April 30. The lighting of facades