Key points

In Infants

• The mandatory meningococcal ACWY vaccination program, implemented on January 1, 2025, for infants following an increase in cases of invasive meningococcal infections of types W and Y, has resulted in high vaccination coverage, with nearly 90% of infants born in 2025 having received the first dose of the meningococcal ACWY vaccine. Among children born in 2024 (i.e., before the replacement of the C vaccine with the ACWY vaccine), by the age of 21 months, 81% had received at least one dose of the tetravalent ACWY meningococcal vaccine (the target is 95%). This vaccination coverage is lower than that against meningococcal C alone, estimated at 21 months of age in 2024 (90%). It should be noted that vaccination started with a monovalent C vaccine before January 1, 2025, in infants must be continued with a tetravalent ACWY vaccine.
• In 2025, the year the mandatory meningococcal B vaccination for infants up to age 2 is implemented, vaccination coverage against these infections has increased significantly, with 70% of infants born in 2024 (aged 21 months) up to date on their vaccinations (compared to 58% in 2024).
• Vaccination coverage for other mandatory infant vaccinations is generally high, with levels close to the 95% target set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nevertheless, given the resurgence of measles virus circulation in France since 2024, it is important to note that vaccination coverage for the two-dose MMR vaccine must exceed this target to interrupt the circulation of the virus, which can lead to deaths among vulnerable individuals. Verifying and updating this vaccination status is essential for both children and young adults.

Among adolescents and young adults

• Given the potential severity and increased frequency of invasive meningococcal infections during adolescence, vaccination against meningococcal ACWY is recommended for adolescents, with catch-up vaccination for young adults. In 2025, only 21% of 11- to 14-year-olds and 9% of 15- to 24-year-olds had received a dose of this vaccine. Vaccination against meningococcal ACWY must be stepped up in these age groups. It is incorporated into campaigns conducted in middle schools in Normandy to strengthen young people’s protection against these infections. Efforts to improve vaccination coverage must continue in order to achieve herd immunity and reduce the circulation of meningococci in other age groups.
• Vaccination coverage against human papillomavirus (HPV) infections is increasing, with 60% of girls and 40% of boys aged 16 having received a full vaccination series. The gap in vaccination coverage between girls and boys continues to narrow. This progress is encouraging, but vaccination coverage remains insufficient to reduce the incidence of cancers linked to these infections. The national target set by the 10-year cancer control strategy is 80% for both girls and boys by 2030. Efforts must continue to achieve this goal, building on vaccination campaigns in middle schools and reinforcing messages about the importance of vaccinating boys. Vaccinating boys is just as essential as vaccinating girls: it contributes to equitable and sustainable protection.

Vaccination Uptake

According to the 2024 Santé publique France Barometer, vaccination uptake is high in the region, particularly among young people, with 85% of 18- to 25-year-olds stating they are in favor of vaccination in general.