France’s 2025 Vaccination Schedule: Key Updates and Ongoing Campaigns

Paris, 12 January 2026 – France has implemented significant updates to its 2025 vaccination schedule, focusing on protecting children and vulnerable groups from diseases like meningococcal infections, pneumococcal diseases, and respiratory viruses. Alongside these changes, a joint influenza and COVID-19 vaccination campaign is underway, emphasising the importance of annual vaccinations for at-risk populations.

Key Changes in the 2025 Vaccination Schedule

The Ministry of Health published the 2025 vaccination schedule in May 2025, aiming to strengthen protection against emerging health threats. New requirements include mandatory vaccination against ACWY and B meningococcal infections for infants, with doses at 6 months, 12 months, and for B meningococcus at 3, 5, and 12 months. Adolescents aged 11 to 14 are recommended to receive ACWY meningococcal vaccination, with catch-up up to 24 years, and B meningococcal vaccination for those aged 15 to 24.

In regions like the Antilles, Guyana, Mayotte, and Réunion, dengue vaccination is recommended for children and adolescents aged 6 to 16 with a history of dengue, and for adults aged 17 to 60 with comorbidities such as sickle cell anaemia or diabetes. Pneumococcal vaccination is now extended to all individuals aged 65 and over with a single dose. Boosters for pertussis are advised for adults over 25 in contact with newborns and healthcare professionals during epidemics.

RSV vaccination is recommended for pregnant women between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation and for adults aged 65 and over with respiratory or cardiac conditions. Catch-up MMR vaccination is encouraged for those born after 1980 who have received only one dose or none. Mpox vaccination strategies include reactive and preventive approaches for at-risk groups. HPV vaccination is now reimbursed for girls and boys up to 26 years, with a 2-dose schedule 6 months apart for those aged 11 to 14, and 3 doses for catch-up.

Joint Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

Launched on 14 October 2025 and running until 31 January 2026, the joint campaign allows simultaneous vaccination against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 at the same appointment. This is recommended for eligible individuals, regardless of age, with vaccines administered in both arms if not given together. The campaign targets those aged 65 and over, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and those with obesity (BMI ≥40), as well as healthcare workers and close contacts of vulnerable individuals.

COVID-19 vaccination is advised annually in autumn for those over 65, with spring renewals for vulnerable groups. For children under 5, schedules vary based on prior vaccination or infection. A recent study by Epi-Phare confirmed that mRNA COVID-19 vaccines do not increase long-term mortality risk, reinforcing confidence in vaccination programmes.

Key Facts and Statistics

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the mandatory vaccinations for children in France?

All children born from 1 January 2018 are subject to the vaccination obligation, which includes 11 diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, Haemophilus influenzae B, pertussis, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal C, pneumococcus, meningococcal B, and ACWY meningococci. These are administered during compulsory child health examinations.

Who should get the joint flu and COVID-19 vaccine?

The campaign targets those at risk of severe forms, including people aged 65+, those with chronic diseases, pregnant women, and healthcare workers. Anyone wishing to be vaccinated can receive a dose, even if not in the target group.

Is the COVID-19 vaccine safe long-term?

Studies, such as the Epi-Phare research published in Jama Network Open, show that mRNA vaccines do not increase long-term mortality risk. Severe side effects are rare, primarily cardiovascular, and vaccination is advised for most age groups.

What about HPV vaccination for young adults?

Since 2025, HPV vaccination is reimbursed for women and men up to 26 years. For those aged 11-14, a 2-dose schedule is recommended; catch-up for 15-19 requires 3 doses.