Health. Vaccination: What's new in France in 2025?

More than 8 out of 10 French people say they are in favor of vaccination in general, according to data from a Public Health France barometer published Monday, which also shows the persistence of socio-economic inequalities and declining adherence among seniors.

The 2023 edition of this system of regular surveys among representative samples of the population shows "a stabilization of adherence to vaccination at a high level," notes the health agency on the occasion of European Vaccination Week (April 27-May 3).

83.7% of respondents in mainland France said they were in favor of vaccination in general, with an upward trend in the proportion of people "very in favor" of vaccination compared to 2022 (34.7% compared to 30.9% in 2022), according to this survey conducted from February to May 2023 among 2,741 people aged 18 to 75. As in previous years, vaccination adherence remains lower among people "with the lowest qualifications or incomes", but also among those saying they live alone.

But it's sometimes difficult to navigate vaccination recommendations. Health authorities are promoting a new "vaccination and immunization" strategy for 2025-2030, which also aims to improve vaccination coverage for all ages: increasing vaccination opportunities, supporting new digital tools, training professionals to promote vaccination, and more. Here's a look at what's new in 2025.

Meningococcus: increased vaccination

Faced with a surge in invasive meningococcal infections , particularly among adolescents and young adults, the vaccination strategy has been strengthened in several stages.

ACWY and B vaccination has been mandatory since January ¹ for infants up to the age of 2, including those who have already been vaccinated against meningococcus C. Children up to the age of 4 must also be vaccinated against meningococcus B and ACWY, as part of a transitional catch-up.

ACWY vaccination remains recommended for adolescents aged 11 to 14, and catch-up vaccination of 15-24 year-olds against meningococcus B and ACWY must be stepped up. An awareness campaign "will be rolled out in the coming weeks, targeting families, healthcare professionals, and young people, to support this reinforced vaccination strategy."

Measles: a resurgence of infections

The resurgence of measles is increasing in France and internationally , but the proportion of vaccinated people needed to eliminate this disease (95% for two doses of vaccine) has still not been reached in the country.

"Beyond the vaccination of infants (editor's note: 94.6% of infants born in 2023 have received at least one dose), it is important to continue catching up with people who have not been or have not been sufficiently vaccinated, particularly among healthcare professionals," according to the Ministry of Health and Public Health France.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV): the quest to eradicate cervical cancer

Vaccination against papillomaviruses, "which prevents up to 90% of HPV infections that cause various cancers," is showing "significant progress" among adolescents, driven by the campaign aimed at 5th ^grade students that began in the fall of 2023.

In 2024, 58.4% of 15-year-old girls will have received a first dose of the vaccine, compared to 54.6% in 2023, and 36.9% of 15-year-old boys, compared to 25.9% a year earlier. The results of the 2024-2025 campaign in middle schools will be released after the summer.

France, still far from the 80% vaccination coverage target by 2030, wants to accentuate this upward trend in the hope of one day eradicating cervical cancer - a prospect in sight for Australia and certain Nordic countries.

Pneumococcus and shingles: recommendations for the elderly

These two vaccinations are now recommended for all people aged 65 and over, knowing that less than 20% of people at high risk of pneumococcal infections are correctly vaccinated.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus): new recommendations

This vaccination against the main virus responsible for bronchiolitis is now recommended for all people aged 75 and over, as well as those aged 65 to 74 with chronic respiratory and cardiac conditions.

DTP, flu and Covid-19: seniors affected

Among people aged 65, only one in two is correctly vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus and polio, or against influenza.

However, these reminders remain "essential" for these seniors, underlines the Ministry of Health and Public Health France, recalling that vaccination remains the "most effective way to protect against many infectious diseases."

The "prevention assessment" between the ages of 60 and 65 and the free consultation at 65 represent opportunities to verify vaccination status and, if necessary, catch up, according to the authorities, for whom "the remobilization of all health professionals to improve vaccination of seniors is essential." A simplified map of recommendations for those aged 65 and over is now available to caregivers.