The Languedoc-Roussillon region continues to lag significantly behind the national average in terms of MMR vaccination coverage. The target of 95% vaccination coverage has not been met for a single dose by 24 months, nor has the coverage target for two doses at that age; this shortfall is also evident among 4- to 5-year-olds and sixth-grade students.

This insufficient coverage indicates the existence of a large pool of susceptible (unvaccinated) individuals, which explains the major measles outbreak the region experienced in 2010–2011.

The results presented below also reveal significant regional disparities. The areas with the lowest coverage are often those furthest from major urban centers, though this is not always the case. The northern part of the Gard department and the southern part of Lozère (the Cévennes region), the northeastern part of Hérault, the southern part of Aude, and part of the Pyrénées-Orientales are notably affected by vaccination coverage that is lower than the regional average.

This observation of regional disparities is confirmed by an analysis of the 24-month health certificates for children born in 2007, although vaccination coverage at this age remains stable compared to 2004 data. Among these children, regional vaccination coverage stands at 85% for 1 dose and 53% for 2 doses.

Among 4- to 5-year-olds enrolled in the middle section of preschool and born in 2005, the regional average coverage for at least one dose does not exceed 85%; the data collected do not allow for a breakdown of two-dose coverage across all departments.

Among 10- to 11-year-old middle school students in the 6th grade, coverage is higher, as 97% of them received at least one dose of MMR in 2009–2010, though the previous regional disparities persist.

The following data help identify regions and age groups that could be targeted by vaccination promotion messages aimed at healthcare professionals, institutions, and the public. Regional monitoring of changes in this vaccination coverage is necessary to assess the impact of initiatives to be implemented among the relevant age groups and in the affected regions.