🔴 If your child was born after 1 January 2023 and has not yet received the ACWY and B vaccines, catch-up is mandatory and reimbursed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Why now? The epidemiological background
Bacterial meningitis from meningococcal infection is rare but can be fatal within hours. In France, around 500 people are affected each year by invasive meningococcal disease — two thirds develop meningitis, one third septicaemia.
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Santé publique France has observed a resurgence of invasive meningococcal disease. Serogroup B remained dominant, but serogroups W and Y rose to levels not previously seen. The HAS concluded in 2024 that vaccination of all babies against both B and ACWY was justified given the severity of disease and the absence of other preventive options for infants.
The two vaccines: schedules and vaccines available
Meningococcal ACWY
Meningococcal B
Who needs catch-up?
| Age group | ACWY | Meningococcal B | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babies born after 1 Jan 2023 | 6m + booster 12m | 3m + 5m + booster 12m | Mandatory |
| Children aged 2–4 (born 2020–2022) | 1 catch-up dose | Catch-up depending on status | Catch-up reimbursed |
| Adolescents 11–14 | 1 dose (regardless of prior vaccination) | — | Recommended + reimbursed |
| 15–24 years | 1 catch-up dose | Offered and reimbursed | Recommended + reimbursed |
⚠️ If your child previously received a meningococcal C vaccine: that is not the same as ACWY. The C-only vaccine does not protect against serogroups A, W, and Y — which are the ones on the rise. A catch-up ACWY course is needed even if your child was vaccinated against C.
How to check if your child is up to date
Check the vaccination record (carnet de santé). Look for:
- For ACWY: "Nimenrix", "Menquadfi" or "Menveo" with dates at 6 months and 12 months
- For B: "Bexsero" with dates at 3, 5 and 12 months
- Meningococcal C only: not sufficient — an ACWY catch-up is needed
Your GP, paediatrician or pharmacist can verify vaccination status and prescribe catch-up if needed.
Track every meningococcal dose for your family
Vaxelia follows the 2026 meningococcal schedule for each profile. You see at a glance which doses are done, which are missing, and when the next booster falls.
📱 Download Vaxelia — FreeSources: Vaccination Info Service · Infovac Bulletin April 2026 · AFPA · Santé publique France · French vaccination calendar 2026 (Ministry of Health, April 2026). This article is for information only and does not constitute medical advice.