Faced with the increase in infections by meningococcal bacteria, it has become imperative to vaccinate all infants against all strains. What could be the consequences of this obligation?
Tl;dr
- Vaccination against all strains of meningococci becomes compulsory for infants.
- The measure follows an increase in infections by these bacteria.
- A single vaccination, called tetravalent, will target strains A, C, W and Y.
A new vaccination schedule to fight meningococci
In the context of an alarming increase in infections by meningococcal bacteria, often responsible for serious meningitis, France is expanding its vaccination program. From Wednesday January 1, 2025, vaccination against all strains of meningococci will now be compulsory for infants.
Meningococci: dangerously contagious bacteria
Meningococciparticularly dangerous and contagious bacteria, are the cause of serious meningitis, mainly in children and adolescents. They can cause high fever and stiff neck, killing quickly if left untreated. Even with treatment, mortality remains 10%, not to mention frequent after-effects such as amputation, cognitive disorders, deafness, etc.
Easily transmitted from one person to another, these meningococci can cause epidemics. It is for this reason that the development of vaccines has been necessary.
Expanding vaccination: a response to a worrying upsurge
The new recommendations aim to protect infants against these serious infections. Indeed, a worrying increase in cases has been observed in recent years. According to the latest figures from the Pasteur Institute, more than 500 cases were recorded between January and November 2024, a slight increase compared to the same period in 2023.
In addition, the profile of the bacteria involved has clearly changed. The main families of meningococci, A, B, C, W and Y, have undergone significant evolution. If strain B remains in the majority, strain C has become marginal, behind strains Y and W, the latter being particularly deadly.
Changes to the vaccination schedule
Until now, only strains B and C were affected by vaccination. From now on, vaccination against all strains – A, B, C, W and Y – will be compulsory for infants. For adolescents, a booster dose against A, C, W and Y will be recommended between 11 and 14 years of age, even if they received this vaccine at a young age.
Vaccination will be carried out with a single vaccine, called tetravalent, which will target strains A, C, W and Y. In infants, it will be Nimenrix from Pfizer, given in two successive doses, at 6 and 12 months. For older children, who will only receive a booster dose, it could be Nimenrix, Menquadfi from Sanofi or Menveo from GlaxoSmithKline (GSK).
