Pharmacie Kennedy Mulhouse

How can vaccination help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics?

Preventing some infections reduces occasions when antibiotics may be needed. Vaccination, hygiene and appropriate treatment use all contribute to tackling antibiotic resistance.

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.

Antibiotic resistance concerns bacteria that become less sensitive, or insensitive, to an antibiotic. It can make an infection harder to treat. It does not mean your body has become resistant to the medicine.

Santé publique France lists vaccination among infection-prevention measures, alongside hygiene and careful antibiotic use. The aim is to prevent some infections before treatment may be needed.

Some vaccines prevent bacterial diseases; others target viruses. Ameli explains that fewer infections can mean fewer antibiotic prescriptions and less selection of resistant bacteria, without providing a numerical guarantee for an individual.

Influenza is viral: an antibiotic does not treat its virus. A doctor may still investigate a bacterial complication and choose appropriate treatment. Being vaccinated does not replace that assessment if you become ill.

For prevention, have the vaccinations relevant to you checked and maintain useful hygiene measures. This does not mean seeking an extra vaccine without an indication or changing a prescribed antibiotic treatment.

At your next discussion, ask a precise question: “Which infections can recommended vaccinations help me prevent in my circumstances?” The professional checks the recommendations and timing before any vaccination booking.

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

Your health review

Review your health

Mon bilan prévention is an appointment to discuss your habits and choose your health priorities. Review the four age groups and practical information.

Health review: learn more

Outside these age groups? Tell family and friends

Blog