A vaccine remedial campaign against meningitis targets 15-24 year olds not being up to date with their vaccines. A strategy that is essential while meningococcal infections are particularly numerous. In Rennes, two young people aged 16 and 19 are hospitalized in serious condition.
“We are in the land of pastor, vaccination saves lives”. The Minister of Health, Yannick Neuder, urged young people aged 15 to 24 on Tuesday, May 6 to 24 to be vaccinated against meningitis, while infections reach an alarming level in France.
“We have nearly 600 cases of meningitis per year, nearly 60 deaths, so we saw the vaccination strategy. For all children until the age of two, we must have a vaccination against meningitis,” said the Minister, guest of TF1.
Among 11-14 year olds, a “big campaign” will be launched, both against meningitis and papillomavirus. And, among 15-24 year olds, a “vaccination catch-up” to best protect this category of the population particularly exposed to meningitis.
“Vaccine yourself! We call young people aged 15 to 24 to be vaccinated against meningitis. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from this serious disease, which can reach everyone, especially adolescents and young adults,” added Yannick Neuder in a message posted on X.
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Two young people in serious condition
The doctor also encouraged young people to find out “with your health center or doctor to find out if you are up to date or if you need to benefit from a vaccination catch -up”.
According to the latest figures given at the end of April by Public Health France, more than 600 cases of meningococcal infections have already been identified since the start of the year, an unprecedented level since 2010.
Two young people aged 16 and 19 were admitted to resuscitation at the Rennes University Hospital last week for meningococcal meningitis. Some 50 contact cases have been identified, and a third case is suspected.
The Brittany Regional Health Agency launched, on March 3, a vaccination campaign “Against meningococcus B for young people aged 15 to 24, inhabitants or schooling or students in Rennes Métropole, a total of around 100,000 people,” she said. More than 64,000 people have received at least one dose.
