Impossible to deny. France is currently experiencing an unprecedented increase in invasive meningococcal infections, with more than 615 cases identified in 2024 – the highest figure for more than ten years according to SPublic ante France. Sometimes fatal infections that particularly affect infants, but also adolescents and young adults, two particularly vulnerable populations.
A worrying resurgence
In 2023, 614 cases had already been reported. 10 % of which ended with a death. The disease, although rare, remains feared for its brutality: it can kill in a few hours.
Their dangerousness is due to two factors:
- Deceptive initial symptoms (headache, fever, vomiting, pain) often confused with flu or gastroenteritis;
- An extremely rapid evolution towards generalized meningitis or infectious shock, called purpura fulminans.
“In 30 % of cases studied, patients had consulted a doctor or emergencies a few days before being admitted to resuscitation, but the diagnosis had missed it” explains Dr. Damien Contou, resuscitator at the Hospital of Argenteuil on a daily basis The Parisian. Mortality is around 25 % in infectious shock, compared to 5 % for meningitis. Among the survivors, 15 % must be amputated by one or more members “, he recalls. So what to do?
Reinforced vaccination from college
Since January 2025, vaccination against meningococcal groups A, C, W, Y and B has been compulsory in infants. For adolescents, it is now recommended between 11 and 14 years old, with a possible catch -up up to 24 years.
The novelty will also take place from the start of the school year. To facilitate access, the government extends this prevention to educational establishments. From the 2025-2026 school year, all 5th graders will be able to receive the vaccine against acwy meningococci for free, at the same time as that against papillomavirus (HPV).
How will this campaign go?
- The vaccination sessions in the colleges will take place between January and June 2026;
- In terms of human papillomavirus infections, the vaccination scheme consists of 2 doses. Vaccination is spread over 2 consecutive school years. The maximum delay between two doses, not to exceed 13 months. Vaccination against invasive acwy meningococcal infections remains possible during both of these 2 years;
- It will be possible to receive, during the same session, the Acwy meningococcal vaccine and one of the 2 doses of the HPV vaccine;
As vaccination against meningococcal infections, that against human papillomavirus infections is 100 % covered by health insurance and requires the written agreement of the 2 holders of parental authority, assures the government.
Parents, essential actors in prevention
If vaccination is the main tool to protect adolescents, family awareness remains a crucial lever. A recent study shows that only 17 % of parents perceive the real risk of infection for their adolescents. However, their role is central: by verifying the vaccination status of their children, inquiring with health professionals and by initiating dialogue at home, they can actively participate in their protection. A message that parents will receive regularly this year.