Meningitis still claims many lives every year. To combat the rise in infections, health authorities have announced changes, especially for infants, from 1 January.
You only have to read Doctissimo to find out: in recent months, several deaths from meningitis have dominated the news in France. In fact, the number of meningococcal infections is increasing. To combat this, new vaccination measures will be introduced from 1 January 2025. An alarming increase in cases
From this Thursday, January 1st, vaccination of infants against “all strains” of meningococcus will become mandatory.
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According to the French Public Health Agency, 560 cases of invasive meningococcal disease will be reported in 2023, a 72% increase compared to 2022. And more than 500 cases have already been registered between January and November 2024.
Vaccination: all strains are now affected (A, B, C, W, Y)
Until now, only one meningococcal C vaccination was mandatory for children under 1 year of age. Vaccination against the B strain was only recommended. The new vaccination plan, which will come into force on January 1, aims to make up for this deficiency.
For infants: Vaccination against all strains A, B, C, W and Y will be mandatory.
CWY conjugate vaccine should be administered once at 6 months.
The second dose at 12 months.
Vaccination against meningococcus B is given at 3, 5 and 12 months of age.
For adolescents:
Boosters against A, C, W and Y are recommended between the ages of 11 and 14.
Vaccination is also recommended for 15-24 year olds.
For adults:
Vaccination is recommended for people with certain diseases or professionals exposed to infection.