Testing, vaccination centers: beware of fraudulent offers

Currently, you can get tested or vaccinated in a lab, at your doctor's office, in a pharmacy or in tents settled on city streets. You can find the test and vaccination sites on santé.fr.

In some barnacles or vaccination centers, you are asked to pay to get tested or vaccinated. However,

there is currently no payment required for testing or vaccination until october 15

, recalls the Ministry of Health.

These acts shall be covered at 100% by the Health Insurance without advance payment for persons residing in France, including serological tests carried out before the first dose of vaccine. For people who do not reside in France, tests are reimbursed only on medical prescription or if they are identified as a contact at risk by the Health Insurance.

Until October 15, 2021, any payment required for a person residing in France is therefore considered a scam.

From 15 October, except for medical reasons, PCR and antigen tests become chargeable. Unvaccinated adults without a prescription will be required to pay the minimum of €44 for PCR and €22 for an antigen test.

How to spot a fraudulent barnum?

Fraudulent screening poses risks for the person who has come to be tested:

• sampling may be improperly performed and may injure and/or lead to a false negative result. The person will think they are negative and may infect others around them;
• the tests used may not be recognized by health authorities;
• since september 9, when fraud is detected, the proof of testing is canceled, so the health pass issued is invalidated.

As long as the testing is covered until October 15, if you show your vital card and a payment is requested during a test, it is a fraud.

Furthermore, the absence of a health professional is a sign of fraud, since the screening must be carried out in the presence of a health professional.

If there is any doubt, any suspected fraud or fraud must be reported to theRegional Health Agency (ARS) in your area for inspection. If you become aware of fraud after your test, it is advisable to re-test at an approved location. To find the testing and vaccination sites near you, go to Sante.fr.