[Vaccination in childhood in France: Current issues and challenges]

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Public Health
• Immunology

Background:

• Childhood vaccination is critical for preventing contagious diseases, especially in early life.
• While infant vaccination coverage is high in France, rates for older children and adolescents are concerning.
• Insufficient immunization leads to preventable severe cases of diseases like measles and meningococcal C infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess current childhood vaccination issues and challenges in France.
• To highlight the unsatisfactory vaccination coverage in older children and adolescents.
• To emphasize the need for improved immunization strategies for specific diseases.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of vaccination coverage data for different age groups in France.
• Identification of specific vaccines with insufficient coverage, including measles, meningococcal C, hepatitis B, and papillomavirus.
• Review of the role of healthcare professionals and governmental support in vaccination programs.

Main Results:

• Infant vaccination coverage meets public health objectives.
• Vaccination coverage against measles and meningococcal C is insufficient in older children and adolescents.
• Coverage for adolescent vaccinations against hepatitis B and papillomavirus is significantly below expectations, posing risks for young adults.

Conclusions:

• Urgent interventions are needed to improve vaccination coverage in older children and adolescents in France.
• General practitioners and pediatricians are key to increasing immunization rates.
• Enhanced support and tailored tools from the Ministry of Health are essential for healthcare providers to boost vaccination efforts.