Vaccination: new obligations from January 1, 2025, to protect infants

Vaccination against meningococcus C, already compulsory, will be replaced by that against meningococci ACWY, while vaccination against meningococcus B, hitherto strongly recommended, also becomes compulsory.
This evolution of vaccination obligations follows the recommendations of the High Authority of Health and the decree of July 5, 2024 relating to compulsory vaccination against meningococci type B and ACWY. It appears in the update of the new vaccination schedule.

Coping with a surge in infections

Invasive meningococcal infections (meningitis, septicemia) are rare but extremely serious for healthwith an often rapid and potentially fatal progression. Infants, young children and adolescents are most exposed.

In 2022 and 2023, an increase in cases was noted, particularly linked to serogroups W and Y, which are progressing rapidly and exhibit increased virulence compared to serogroup B, still the majority in France. These W and Y strains cause mortality rates that are twice as high.

Vaccination against meningococci in practice

Vaccination against meningococci types B and ACWY can be carried out by general practitioners or pediatricians, midwives and nurses*.

*Nurses are authorized to carry out this vaccination upon presentation of a medical prescription covering both the injection procedure and the vaccine.

Table of compulsory vaccinations against ACWY and B meningococci according to the age of the infant

Infants who received a first dose of meningococcal C vaccine before January 1, 2025 should receive their second dose, after this date, with a meningococcal ACWY vaccine.

A major public health issue

Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent invasive meningococcal infections. These new obligations will strengthen the protection of infants and help reduce the transmission of these serious infections within the population.

Find out now

The Ministry of Health and Access to Care invites parents to contact their healthcare professional to find out more about these new vaccination obligations.