The government is preparing for the 2025-2026 school year with a vaccination campaign in colleges against papillomavirus and invasive meningococcal infections. This initiative aims to address the rising cases of invasive infections in meningococcus, which can sometimes be deadly. The Ministry of Health has called for intensified vaccination efforts for children and adolescents, highlighting the urgency of the situation. Since last summer, there have been approximately sixty deaths,
including the tragic loss of a three-year-old child in Drôme this week.

“We face an unprecedented situation,” highlights a government minister who was observed this past Friday, from the recommendations laid out during the beginning of 2025.“To effectively prevent future outbreaks, it is crucial to engage parents and healthcare professionals in our national vaccination initiative

The Complexity of the Vaccination Schedule for Infants and Schools

The vaccination schedule is indeed complex. For infants, vaccination is mandatory against strain B and strains A, C, W, and Y. However, children born before 2025 who have only received a first injection now need a second one against meningitis for strains a, w, c and y. Those children who are born after this threshold are recommended to receive a follow up dose ranging from the age of 11 to 14 even if they’ve already been vaccinated during childhood. The Minister faced a press conference where he pleaded the necessity to simplify the vaccination strategy, acknowledging the intricate vaccination schedule.

Rethinking School Health Infrastructure

For the 2025-2026 school year, the government will initiate new vaccination protocols. The public health authorities are reassessing the nursing procedures for this parity. Since the relaxation of COVID measures, invasive meningococcal infections have seen a significant increase. This succesion of epidemics has reached unprecedented rates. France‘s Public Health Department cited “an exceptionally high number of cases in January 2025, with 90 cases reported. It has noted several deaths caused by meningococcus.”

The increased incidence in January may be partially due to the significant seasonal flu outbreak. As stated, “influenza facilitates the growth of meningococci, especially during flu seasons, as mucous membranes are more vulnerable.”.”

“Anticipating, understanding, and preparing requires incorporating the data torwards meninegocci to increase our chances!

This article aims to keep you informed, vigilant and understand the upcoming vaccination protocols.

Q&A on the 2025-2026 government Campaign Against Meningococcal and HPV Infections

What is the focus of the 2025-2026 school campaign?

Question: Why is the government launching a vaccination campaign against meningococcal and HPV infections for the 2025-2026 school year?

Answer:

The government is initiating a vaccination campaign targeting papillomavirus and invasive meningococcal infections to address the rise in cases of invasive meningococcal infections, which can be fatal. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering immunity among children and adolescents and reducing the risk of future outbreaks and deaths. As the relaxation of COVID-19 measures, the incidence of invasive meningococcal infections has considerably increased, prompting the Ministry of Health to highlight the urgency of intensifying vaccination efforts.The campaign underscores the stakes involved, emphasized by statistics such as the approximately sixty deaths, including the tragic case of a three-year-old child in Drôme. [1]“>Source: CDC

Which age groups are targeted by the vaccination campaign?

Question: Who is the 2025-2026 vaccination campaign targeting?

Answer:

The vaccination campaign will focus on infants and school-aged children to tackle the rise of infections. Infants are required to receive vaccinations against meningococcal strains B and A, C, W, Y (MenABCWY). Children born before 2025 who need an additional dose against strains A, C, W, and Y will be administered it, as will those born after 2025 who will receive a follow-up dose between ages 11 and 14 if they have already been vaccinated during childhood.This schedule supports ongoing protection into adolescence. The government is addressing the complexity of this schedule by contemplating simplifying the strategy without compromising its effectiveness. [1]“>Source: CDC

How does the vaccination schedule work?

Question: Can you explain the vaccination schedule for the 2025-2026 school year?

Answer:

The vaccination schedule is detailed and designed to ensure comprehensive coverage:

• Infants: mandatory vaccination against strains of meningococcal B and A, C, W, Y.
• Children born before 2025: If they’ve only received an initial dose, they will need a second dose specifically for strains A, C, W, and Y.
• Children born after 2025: A follow-up dose from ages 11 to 14, even if initially vaccinated in childhood, is recommended.

The Minister has acknowledged the complexity of the schedule, and efforts are being made to refine and possibly simplify it to enhance adherence and ease of administration. [1]“>Source: CDC

What are the barriers to meningococcal vaccination?

Question: What are common barriers to successful meningococcal and HPV vaccination?

Answer:

Several barriers hinder vaccination efforts, including:

• Limited awareness and knowlege: Access to reliable details about HPV and meningococcal diseases is essential but often lacking.
• Reliance on mainstream healthcare providers: This can create bottlenecks if providers are not well-informed or proactive in recommending vaccines.
• Stigma and reluctance to disclose: Personal factors, like reluctance to disclose sexual orientation, can deter HP vaccination acceptance.
• Uncertainty regarding health insurance and costs: Concerns about financial coverage can deter parents from vaccinating their children.
• Accessibility issues: Distance and time required to reach vaccination sites can be prohibitive. Tackling these barriers requires concerted efforts from healthcare and government entities. [2]“>Source: PubMed

Why has there been an increase in invasive meningococcal infections?

Question: Why have there been more invasive meningococcal infections recently?

answer:

The increase is attributed to several factors:

• Post-COVID Relaxation: The easing of COVID-19 restrictions has been linked to the rise in invasive cases.
• Interplay with Flu Seasons: The seasonal flu has been noted to facilitate the growth of meningococci, as flu symptoms can make mucous membranes more vulnerable.

Additionally, public health experts highlight an exceptionally high number of cases reported in January 2025, with 90 cases noted, underscoring the urgent need for effective vaccination strategies. [3]“>source: CDC

How are healthcare authorities planning to mitigate these risks?

Question: What measures are being taken to improve the efficiency of the vaccination strategy?

Answer:

Healthcare authorities are strategizing multiple approaches to enhance vaccination coverage and mitigate risks:

• Reassessing School Health Infrastructure: this involves introducing new vaccination protocols tailored for the school setting.
• Simplifying the Vaccination Schedule: Efforts are being made to streamline the vaccination timetable to enhance adherence and reduce logistical complexity.
• Integration of Data: Authorities emphasize incorporating data on meningococcal incidence to inform the vaccination strategy better and preemptively address outbreaks.[1]“>Source: CDC

By addressing these challenges head-on,the government aims to create a safer environment for students and bolster public health in the face of rising meningococcal and HPV infections.