France has expanded its vaccination programme against meningococcal disease from 1 January in response to a rise in cases, particularly among children and teenagers who are more vulnerable to severe forms of meningitis.
The move aims to combat infections caused by meningococcal bacteria, which can lead to bacterial meningitis – a highly contagious and potentially deadly illness.
Bacterial meningitis presents symptoms such as high fever and stiff neck and can result in rapid death if untreated.
Even with treatment, it has a 10 percent mortality rate and can cause long-term complications such as amputation, cognitive impairments and deafness.
Meningococci, the bacteria responsible, spread easily among individuals, making vaccination critical to prevent an epidemic.
The extension of the vaccination drive comes as the French Ministry of Health aims to enhance protection for infants against the infections amid a resurgence of cases in recent years.
This increase is partially attributed to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, which inadvertently reduced exposure to meningococcal disease and led to lower vaccination rates.
From January to November 2024, more than 500 cases of meningococcal disease were reported in France, the highest in over two decades and slightly up from 2023.
Seasonal flu, Covid vaccine drive kicks off across France
'Dangerous' evolution of bacteria
Health authorities are also concerned about changes in the prevalence of meningococcal strains.
The main bacteria are divided into families: A, B, C, W and Y.
While the B strain remains common, the decline of the C strain has allowed the more dangerous W and Y strains to emerge. These strains are harder to diagnose and can cause atypical infections.
Previously, vaccination covered mainly B and C strains – a strategy now looked upon as outdated by health experts.
WHO wants to rein in meningitis by 2030
Infant vaccination mandatory
France’s updated vaccination schedule now includes mandatory coverage for all meningococcal strains in infants.
For teenagers aged 11 to 14, a booster dose targeting strains A, C, W and Y is recommended, even for those previously vaccinated.
The B vaccine remains focused on younger children, as health authorities believe its benefits for older age groups are limited.
The vaccination booster is not compulsory but will be largely reimbursed by France's National Health Insurance.
