Headlines - The 2014 Vaccination Schedule

Each year, the vaccination schedule is updated based on the recommendations of the High Council for Public Health, taking into account, in particular, changes in epidemiological data and the development of new vaccines. To mark European Immunization Week, taking place from April 22 to 26, 2014, the 2014 immunization schedule, developed by the Minister of Health, has just been posted on the website of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health1. It includes a new specific recommendation regarding invasive meningococcal infections caused by serogroup B: vaccination is not recommended as part of a generalized prevention strategy for the general population but is subject to specific recommendations for individuals at high risk of contracting an invasive meningococcal infection and under very specific epidemiological circumstances. In addition, certain existing recommendations have been modified: - human papillomavirus infections: the vaccination schedule has been modified to a 2-dose regimen instead of 3 doses for girls aged 11 to 14. A 3-dose schedule is recommended for girls aged 15 to 19 years. - Pertussis: the cocooning strategy is reinforced for adults in contact with infants under 6 months of age and for healthcare and early childhood professionals. - Measles: Clarifications are provided regarding vaccination requirements for children aged 6 to 11 months exposed to a case of measles, as well as against mumps in situations involving clusters of mumps cases in group settings. - Hepatitis B: A new accelerated vaccination schedule may be offered under certain conditions requiring rapid immunization, such as in the context of unplanned travel to countries with high endemicity. - Tetanus: recommendations for wound care based on the type of injury have been updated for prevention. - Immunocompromised or asplenic individuals: the schedule includes specific vaccination recommendations for them, their close contacts, and healthcare professionals who come into contact with them. These recommendations represent a significant step forward in the care of these particularly vulnerable patients.