How to get Covid vaccine in France if no carte Vitale

It is not necessary to be in the health system to be vaccinated against Covid-19 in France but you must be resident in the country

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France’s Ministry of Health has told The Connexion that all residents in France can be vaccinated against Covid-19 and that on the day of their appointment they should simply bring their ID card or passport if they do not have a carte Vitale.

The Ministry wrote in an email on January 27 that, “It is not compulsory to be affiliated to the social security system and have a carte Vitale to be vaccinated at a centre”.

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It added that from January 28, the online information system "Vaccin Covid", which allows for health authorities to assess the vaccination campaign and is run by Assurance Maladie, will be able to ensure residents’ rights to a vaccination, “even if they do not have a carte Vitale”.

“However, if they do have a carte Vitale, they will have to present it at the [vaccination] centres,” the Ministry added.

There are a number of foreigners living in France who have not entered into the French healthcare system due to having private health insurance. This includes early retirees and those who worked for international organisations such as the UN.

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The Ministry also confirmed to The Connexion that foreigners on holiday in France, including second-home owners currently in the country, “do not have the right to be vaccinated in France”.

France’s public rollout of the vaccination started on January 18, beginning with those aged over 75 and those with serious health conditions.

The next phase of the campaign, which will begin in February or March, will target those aged between 65 and 74 with additional health issues, followed by the remaining people aged over 65.

If you have had a problem getting vaccinated without a carte Vitale, please read our article on this matter here.

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