From the start of 2025, infants will have to receive a vaccine against meningococci, agents of infection which can have very serious consequences for health.
- Due to the increase in cases of meningitis in France, babies will have to be administered the vaccine against meningococcal types B and ACWY from January 1.
- For ACWY meningococci, two doses (at 6 and 12 months) are necessary. For meningococcus B, three injections (at 3, 5 and 12 months) must be given.
- This vaccination can be carried out by general practitioners or pediatricians, midwives and nurses.
Since 2018, children have been required to receive 11 vaccines. These cover serious illnesses, such as diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, whooping cough, hepatitis B, measles and rubella. But, from January 1, a new vaccine will be added to the list. This is that against meningococcal ACWY and B infections. “Vaccination against meningococcal C, already compulsory, will be replaced by that against meningococcal ACWY, while vaccination against meningococcal B, hitherto strongly recommended, also becomes obligatory,” indicates the Ministry of Health.
This decision was taken due to the increase in cases of meningitis in France and the evolution of strains. As a reminder, invasive meningococcal infections (meningitis, septicemia), to which infants, young children and adolescents are most exposed, are rare but extremely serious for health. “Despite treatment, meningococcal infections have a high mortality rate (10%) and a high epidemic potential”signals the Pasteur Institute.
Two injections for ACWY meningococci and three doses for meningococcus B
Vaccination against meningococcal types B and ACWY can be carried out by general practitioners or pediatricians, midwives and nurses. The ACWY meningococcal vaccination schedule is based on two injections: one at 6 months and one at 12 months. According to Health Insurancethe one-year dose can be co-administered with the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. Regarding the meningococcal B vaccination schedule, three doses are administered at 3 months, 5 months and 12 months. “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,” can we read on the ministry’s website.
Meningococcal infections: for whom is vaccination recommended?
Health Insurance reminds that vaccination against meningococci is recommended for certain people. This is the case for adolescents aged 11 to 14. They can receive one dose of the ACWY meningococcal vaccine, regardless of their previous vaccination. People at risk of meningococcal infection, such as immunocompromised patients, and those around them also have the option of being injected with the vaccine. “Vaccination against meningococcal ACWY and B infections is recommended for personnel in research laboratories working on meningococcal disease.”
