French fourth vaccine: do I need it if have had three doses and Covid?

Reader Question: I had both initial vaccine doses and my booster, and then caught Covid. I am over 80 and am wondering: should I still get my fourth vaccine dose?

France began rolling out a fourth Covid vaccine dose to over-80s, immunosuppressed patients and care home residents in France this week.

Everyone belonging to these vulnerable groups can now book an appointment for this additional vaccination.

However, the first thing to note is that it is not obligatory for anyone, but rather “open” to eligible people wishing to receive it.

Read more:Fourth Covid vaccine dose now available in France for the over-80s

People thinking about having it should also bear in mind that they may only receive the injection at least three months after their booster, so if you had your third dose more recently than that you can wait a while before deciding.

In addition, France’s health ministry states on its website that: “In all cases [...] it is necessary to wait at least two months after the end of symptoms before getting another vaccine dose.”

So, if you had Covid in the last two months, you should also wait before booking your fourth dose.

After this time it is up to you to decide whether you would rather have the extra dose or not.

Read more:First French Covid vaccine: When will it be ready, who will benefit?

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