The purpose of vaccination policy is to determine the best possible use of vaccines to protect the entire population, as well as the measures needed to achieve this.
This policy is part of the fight against infectious diseases and must adapt to changes in their epidemiology. It must also take into account medical and scientific knowledge, international recommendations (particularly those from the World Health Organization—WHO), technological advances in vaccines, and the right to information about vaccines and their safety, both for the public and for healthcare professionals.

Vaccination recommendations are published annually in the vaccination schedule issued by the Ministry of Health, based on the opinion of the Technical Commission on Vaccinations of the HAS. Vaccination recommendations
for travelers, meanwhile, are published annually in a special edition of the Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin dedicated to the subject.
Given the insufficient vaccination coverage observed, as of January 1, 2018, eight previously recommended vaccinations have become mandatory due to insufficient coverage. Eleven vaccinations are thus mandatory in France for children under 2 years of age born on or after January 1, 2018.

Vaccination for Infants and Children

Vaccinations are essential for babies and children. They provide effective and long-lasting protection against various serious, and sometimes even life-threatening, infectious diseases.

Vaccination Before, During, and After Pregnancy

Maternal vaccination protects the mother and the fetus against certain infections but can also provide passive protection for the infant after birth. Preconception vaccination is usually preferable but may, particularly for live attenuated vaccines, require a waiting period between vaccination and the start of pregnancy. Certain vaccinations are also possible and recommended during pregnancy; for example, the flu vaccine is recommended for pregnant women. Other vaccines are also recommended in several situations: unplanned, unavoidable travel to an endemic area, epidemic conditions, occupational settings, exposure within the family, etc.

Vaccinations for Travel Abroad

Many travel-related illnesses can be prevented through vaccination.
The vaccination schedule to be established for each traveler must take into account:

• an assessment of the actual risks faced by the traveler,

• the administrative requirement to present a vaccination certificate to enter certain countries,

• the need to receive vaccinations at least two weeks before departure (shorter timeframe for booster shots).