Pharmacie Kennedy Mulhouse

Covid vaccination appointments in France: what work absence rights apply?

French law provides Covid vaccination absence for employees, trainees and public-sector staff. Check its scope and arrangements with your employer.

Editorial illustration of a health discussion; it does not depict the pharmacy’s actual premises.
Editorial illustration — Kennedy Pharmacy Mulhouse

General information, not an individual diagnosis. Ask a healthcare professional if you are unsure about your situation.

In France, Article 17 of the law of 5 August 2021 provides authorised absence for employees, trainees and public-sector staff attending medical appointments related to Covid vaccination. Légifrance displays this article as currently in force.

The provision maintains remuneration for these absences. They count as working time for paid-leave calculations and seniority-related rights. It does not set one universal number of hours for every journey and appointment.

Authorisation may also be granted when accompanying a minor or legally protected adult in your care. The law presents this accompaniment as a possible authorisation; clarify the arrangements applicable to your circumstances.

This article concerns Covid vaccination. Do not assume it creates the same right for an appointment solely for flu vaccination or covers every employment status. Check situations outside its scope with your employer or the relevant service.

Before choosing an appointment during working hours, arrange the absence with your employer. Ask which steps and supporting documents are needed for the appointment rather than infer a specific duration or approval rule from general information.

Prepare the medical discussion too: bring your Carte Vitale if you have one, mention recent vaccinations and infections, and note questions about your circumstances. Confirm the pathway before selecting “Vaccination COVID-19” if pharmacy booking is appropriate.

Sources

Vaccination

Flu and Covid-19: the 2026–2027 campaign

The national flu and Covid-19 vaccination campaign starts on 13 October 2026. In Doctolib, choose “Vaccination antigrippale (Grippe)” or “Vaccination COVID-19” for the vaccination you want to discuss.

Bring your carte Vitale and, for flu, your coverage voucher if you have one. The professional checks the recommendations and coverage conditions that apply to you.

The pharmacy checks whether vaccination and coverage apply based on the vaccine, your age and your circumstances.

Book a vaccination

Assurance Maladie — Campagne grippe 2026–2027 (9 octobre 2026) · Assurance Maladie — Campagne Covid-19 (30 septembre 2026) · Assurance Maladie — Vaccination par le pharmacien · Assurance Maladie — Prise en charge des vaccins · Ministère de la Santé — Calendrier vaccinal

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