Faced with the increase in cases of meningococci, the vaccination strategy is evolving. From January 1, 2025, two vaccines will be compulsory for infants: those against meningococci ACWY and B.
- From January 1, 2025, vaccination against meningococci ACWY and B becomes compulsory for infants.
- This follows a recommendation from the High Authority of Health, after a significant increase in cases.
- Mandatory medical visits are also changing: a visit is added during the child’s seventh year.
Cases of meningitis have increased sharply in France since the Covid-19 pandemic. According to thePasteur Institutethis increase represents 36% additional cases in 2023, compared to 2019. To fight against the disease, the Ministry of Health has therefore decided to follow the recommendations of the High Authority of Health: from January 1, 2025, the vaccination against meningococci ACWY and B becomes compulsory for infants.
Meningitis: vaccination 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.indicates the Ministry of Health in a press release. He recalls that this new obligation aims “to better protect infants against these serious infections, in response to a worrying resurgence observed in recent years”.
How is vaccination against meningococci carried out?
These vaccines can be administered by general practitioners or pediatricians, midwives or nurses. The ACWY meningococcal vaccine is administered in two doses: the first at 6 months and the second at 12 months. As for the one against meningococcus B, it requires three injections: the first at 3 months, the second at 5 months and the last at 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.specifies the ministry.
Meningitis: rare but very serious diseases
While meningococci are bacteria normally found in the throat and nose, they can infect the fluid and membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. We then speak of meningitis. “Meningococcal septicemia (the most serious form of which is purpura fulminans) is a generalized infection, explains it Ministry of Health. Meningococcus spreads throughout the body and causes widespread infection of the blood and various organs..” This infection is considered a life-threatening emergency. Vaccination is the most effective prevention method to reduce the risk.
Health record: a new compulsory examination at six years of age from 2025
Mandatory medical visits are often an opportunity to check that vaccination reminders are up to date. From January 1st, these appointments will also be subject to changes. The compulsory medical examination carried out between the infant’s 3rd week and his first month is removed, but a new visit is added: it must be carried out in the child’s seventh year.
In total, 20 appointments are mandatory between 0 and 16 years old. Beyond vaccination, they make it possible to check the growth curve and psychomotor skills. From next year, doctors will also have to identify possible psychological disorders and administer preventive treatments for certain childhood illnesses if necessary.
