France Launches Major School Vaccination Drive Against HPV and Meningococcal Diseases
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A nationwide campaign will offer free vaccinations to students aged 11-14, aiming to curb rising infection rates and protect a generation from serious health risks.
France is rolling out a thorough vaccination program in middle schools to combat teh spread of human papillomavirus (HPV) and invasive meningococcal infections.The initiative, slated to begin in January 2026, will provide free vaccinations to students aged 11 to 14, with a particular focus on increasing coverage rates that currently lag behind public health goals.
the Threat of HPV and rising Cancer Rates
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are alarmingly common, affecting an estimated 80% of the population during their lifetime. While most infections resolve on their own, certain strains can lead to 6,400 cases of cancer annually in France, including cancers of the cervix, anus, and ear, nose, and throat. “Vaccination from 11 years old allows lasting protection against 90% of papillomavirus causing these cancers,” a senior health official stated. Despite the proven vaccine efficiency and a strong safety record – with over 400 million doses administered globally – current vaccination coverage remains insufficient,at 55% for girls aged 15 and just 26% for boys as of 2023.
Meningococcal Infections: A Resurgent Danger
alongside the HPV campaign, the program addresses a recent surge in invasive meningococcal infections (IIMs), particularly those caused by types W and Y. These bacterial infections can rapidly escalate into meningitis and septicemia, posing a life-threatening emergency with possibly devastating consequences, including neurological disorders and amputations. Vaccination is recommended for adolescents aged 11 to 14 to provide individual protection and limit community transmission. Faced with this resurgence, the Ministry of Health has authorized the inclusion of ACWY meningococcal vaccination in the school-based program.
How the School Vaccination Campaign Will Work
The vaccination campaign will be implemented in all public middle schools and in private schools that volunteer to participate. Parents will receive a letter from the school outlining the program details. To ensure informed consent,parents must complete an online parental authorization form before December 2025; a paper version will also be available upon request from the school. Parents can opt for their child to receive both the HPV and meningococcal vaccines, or either one individually. Crucially, the consent of both parents is required.
From January 2026, vaccination teams will visit schools according to a schedule coordinated with each institution. students participating in the program must bring their healthcare book on the day of vaccination. The vaccinations will be administered by a team of health professionals, under the supervision of a doctor or midwife. The program is fully funded, meaning parents will incur no out-of-pocket costs.
The HPV vaccination schedule involves two injections: the first during the 2025-2026 school year, and the second no later than 13 months after the first dose.
Options for Vaccination Outside of School
For students unable to be vaccinated at school, option options are available through private healthcare professionals – including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, and midwives. In these cases, French health insurance will cover 65% of the vaccination cost, with supplemental insurance typically covering the remaining portion. However, a catch-up vaccination for HPV beyond the age of 15 requires three doses and must be administered by a healthcare professional outside of the school campaign.
This nationwide initiative represents a significant investment in the health of France’s youth, aiming to prevent serious illnesses and safeguard future generations.
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