France Expands Pneumococcal Vaccine Coverage with Reimbursement for CAPVAXIVE
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A new 21-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine, CAPVAXIVE, is now 65% reimbursed in France for eligible individuals, offering broader protection against pneumococcal infections. The decision, formalized by a decree published on December 2, 2025, aims to bolster public health defenses against this potentially serious bacterial disease.
Enhanced Protection Against Pneumococcal Disease
Pneumococcal disease, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae, can lead to a range of illnesses, from mild ear and sinus infections to severe conditions like pneumonia, bacteremia (bloodstream infection), and meningitis. The availability of CAPVAXIVE alongside the existing PREVENT 20 vaccine provides French citizens with more options for preventative care. According to a health authority assessment on July 8, 2025, CAPVAXIVE can be administered in the same manner as PREVENT 20.
CAPVAXIVE Demonstrates Superior Serotype Coverage
Data from the National Pneumococcus Reference Center (2022) indicates that CAPVAXIVE offers significantly broader coverage against pneumococcal serotypes compared to PREVENT 20. Specifically, CAPVAXIVE covers 84% of serotypes responsible for bacteremia and 81% of those causing meningitis, versus 63.5% and 56% respectively for PREVENT 20. This expanded coverage is a key factor driving the reimbursement decision. A senior official stated that the increased serotype coverage “represents a substantial advancement in preventative medicine.”
Who is Eligible for Vaccination?
The reimbursement applies to two key groups:
- Individuals aged 65 and over.
- Adults aged 18 to 64 who are at increased risk of pneumococcal infections.
The public price of CAPVAXIVE, including tax, is €56.53.
Vaccination Schedules and Prior Immunization
The recommended vaccination schedule varies depending on prior immunization history:
- Adults 18+ at High Risk: A single dose of PREVENT 20 or CAPVAXIVE is recommended for those who have previously received only one dose of PCV13 (PREVENT 13) or VPP23 (PNEUMOVAX), provided the previous vaccination was more than one year ago.
- Previously Vaccinated Adults: A dose of PREVENT 20 or CAPVAXIVE is recommended for individuals already vaccinated with the VPC13-VPP23 sequence, with a minimum interval of five years since the last VPP23 injection.
- Adults 65+: A single dose of PREVENT 20 or CAPVAXIVE is recommended for all adults aged 65 and over.
This new policy, stemming from an order issued on November 25, 2025, modifying the list of reimbursable pharmaceuticals, underscores France’s commitment to proactive public health measures. The expanded access to a more comprehensive vaccine offers a significant step forward in protecting the population from the potentially devastating effects of pneumococcal disease.