Réunion Island Launches New Vaccination Campaign for Adolescents and Young Adults
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A extensive public health initiative is underway on Réunion Island, emphasizing the critical importance of adhering to recommended vaccination schedules for individuals aged 11 to 25. The campaign, launched by the ARS La Réunion (Regional Health Agency), aims to bolster immunity against preventable infectious diseases and safeguard both individual and collective health.
The ARS La Réunion stresses that maintaining up-to-date vaccinations is “essential to consolidate the defenses acquired in childhood and maintain effective protection against many preventable infections.”
Key Vaccination Recommendations
- Meningococcal C Vaccination: Recommended for individuals aged 11-14, with a catch-up option available up to age 24.
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccination: Also recommended for those aged 11-14, with a catch-up possibility extending to age 19.
- DTCP Booster: A booster dose against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, and whooping cough is scheduled for individuals at age 25, supplementing existing boosters at ages 6 and 11.
- MMR Verification: Health officials are urging individuals to verify they have received two doses of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, beginning in adolescence.
These boosters and catch-up opportunities are vital for sustaining robust protection against possibly serious, yet preventable, infectious diseases and for minimizing their spread within the population.
Addressing Unique Risks Faced by Young People
The ARS La Réunion recognizes that adolescence and early adulthood present unique challenges to public health. This period is frequently enough characterized by increased mobility – through school, sports, studies, internships, and travel – all of which can facilitate the transmission of infections.
“adolescence and early adulthood are periods of finding, autonomy and mobility… all situations which favor the transmission of infections,” a senior official stated.
In response, the ARS La Réunion, in collaboration with the Academy of la Réunion and the URPS of doctors and pharmacists, is urging all young people and their families to review their vaccination status and consult with a healthcare professional for any necessary updates.
A “Superhero” Campaign to Promote Health Obligation
To amplify this message, the ARS is launching a regional awareness campaign centered around the theme of “Superheroes.” The campaign aims to empower young people to take ownership of their health and the well-being of their communities.
The campaign will utilize a multi-faceted approach, including:
- A comprehensive digital campaign across the web, YouTube, and social networks.
- Targeted radio spots to reach a broad audience.
- Posters distributed in middle and high schools, with integration into the Pronote platform in partnership with the Académie de la Réunion.
- A dedicated segment on the “Vital” show, scheduled to air on Réunion 1ère on November 1, 2025.
The campaign emphasizes that being up-to-date on vaccinations is not only an act of self-preservation but also a presentation of solidarity towards others, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Resources for Vaccination Information
Individuals seeking more information about the updated vaccination schedule and their own vaccination status are encouraged to utilize the following resources:
- Visit the ARS La Réunion website: www.lareunion.ars.sante.fr
- Consult with a doctor, pharmacist, or local vaccination center.
- review personal health records or access the Digital Health Space to verify vaccination history.
Respecting the vaccination schedule is a crucial step in safeguarding public health and ensuring a healthier future for Réunion Island.
