From January 1, 2025, vaccination against meningococci will expand in France. The reason? The Ministry of Health has noted a rebound in infections of this type of bacteria in recent years. Meningococci can cause extremely serious meningitis, particularly in children and adolescents.
1 minute
High fever, headache and stiff neck. These are the main symptoms of bacterial meningitis. If not treated in time, this meningitis can be devastating. In 2024, the National Meningococcal Reference Center has already recorded more than 500 cases. Unheard of for 20 years according to the Pasteur Institute.
Several reasons explain this increase. First, during the Covid-19 pandemic, the French were much less exposed to these bacteria due to health restrictions. The number of vaccinated people has also fallen.
Furthermore, the profile of this family of bacteria has changed. Today the most dangerous strains are gaining ground.
As of this Wednesday, January 1, vaccination in infants against all strains of meningococcus – B, A, C, W and Y will be made compulsory and required for entry into the community. Until then, only vaccination against meningococci C was compulsory for infants.
For adolescents aged 11 to 14 years, a booster dose will be recommended. The vaccine will be largely covered by Health Insurance.
Also readFrance: measles, whooping cough… These diseases that we thought were forgotten and which are resurfacing