France COVID booster rules interpretation

Others in the COVID forum have suggested that the United system is glitchy and we would be fine just showing the documentation at the airport. But I also don't want to show up and have that be the one time it doesn't work! So he will get a test just to make sure we have no issues. No reason not to do it.

Has your brother completed the initial shot series, has he received one mRNA booster, given at least 7 days before he enters France, and is he entering France from a green country as defined here?

https://www.interieur.gouv.fr/covid-19/deplacements-internationaux

(Sorry, the link in English is not working today).

If yes, he needs nothing else.

The only time any reference to a 9-month period is important is if he is within 9 months of receiving the second shot of the initial series. If he received dose 2 of the initial shot series fewer than 9 months ago, he may enter France as being fully vaccinated. After 9 months from dose 2, he must have a mRNA booster to enter France as being fully vaccinated.

I certainly would recommend a test, I would hope most people would test before going on a big trip, and it could be good back-up.

But I will agree with others, the wording, as translated, on some French sites implies that boosters are only valid for 9 months. However, even France only now is recommending a booster for people over 60, and the EU as a group clarified that for entry, a single booster within 270 days is sufficient (though each country sets their own requirements).

The only "different" thing about France is that the booster must be an mRNA booster, so Pfizer or Moderna.

Check with your airline to be sure though, they are the only ones that will check, they are the ones responsible.

I'd be surprised if this was enforceable, according to recent news stories the take rate on second booster shots in the US is pretty low.

the United system is in fact often glitchy. We kept getting messages that we needed tests to fly to Paris when we didn't and then even after loading our CDC cards 3 days ahead, they kept denying my husband 'travel ready' status and claiming he needed a test, although he didn't. It finally got corrected 24 hours out.

Add to that the confusing wording of the French regs translated to English and people get worried. But since you will know ahead if your information is accepted or not, worst case is you get a last minute COVID test just to be very sure you won't have problems.

Update for anyone following along:

Thanks to Jane's suggestion, as we approached the 24 hour/check in mark, I tried one more time to upload the vaccine information and it worked! We have all boarding passes in hand for our flights tomorrow, and canceled the test we had planned. But if check in hadn't worked we were going to go get it.

Thanks everyone!

Do you all know what happens if my latest booster — my fourth — was more than nine months ago? According to my doctor, I am not eligible for another booster at this time.

So If I am understanding this correctly, NO second booster is needed to enter France? Just your initial vaccination and a booster as shown on your vaccination card.

Do you all know what happens if my latest booster — my fourth — was more than nine months ago? According to my doctor, I am not eligible for another booster at this time.

It is not a concern. The 270 day limit only applies to the original course of vaccine (either two shots or one), however, one of your boosters needed to be either Pfizer or Moderna. (Or one of their other names) Then you are fine.

So If I am understanding this correctly, NO second booster is needed to enter France? Just your initial vaccination and a booster as shown on your vaccination card.

Yes, as long as the booster was a Pfizer or Moderna. As always though, verify with your airline, they are the one making the decision.

I'd be surprised if this was enforceable, according to recent news stories the take rate on second booster shots in the US is pretty low

If France does start requiring a second booster, that is their decision, they will be enforcing it, no third party is going to step in and blow a whistle. If they start requiring all tourists to wear berets...you better get shopping.

Paul- J&J was mentioned as acceptable vaccine/booster on the Air France website, do you know if France accepts J&J as a vaccine/booster to satisfy the requirement?