📅 France's vaccination calendar is updated annually by the Ministry of Health, based on recommendations from the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS). The 2026 version came into force on 27 April 2026.
The four main changes in 2026
Meningococcal ACWY and B: what parents need to check
This is the change affecting the most families. Since 2025, meningococcal ACWY and B vaccines have been mandatory for newborns. The 2026 calendar clarifies catch-up rules and extends reimbursement.
For children born after 1 January 2023: two ACWY doses at 6 months and 12 months. If not done before age 2, catch-up is mandatory.
For children aged 2 to 4: a transitional catch-up is available, including for those previously vaccinated against meningococcal C only. These are different vaccines.
For adolescents aged 11–14: one ACWY dose is recommended regardless of prior vaccination. Since September 2025, this is offered alongside the HPV campaign in secondary schools.
⚠️ Watch out: If your child received a meningococcal C vaccine before 2023, that's not enough. The ACWY vaccine covers four serogroups (A, C, W, Y) and is gradually replacing C-only vaccination. Check your child's vaccination record.
HPV catch-up to age 26: a generation gets a second chance
Until 2025, HPV catch-up for men was only available for men who have sex with men. From December 2025, all women and men up to age 26 who were not vaccinated in adolescence can now receive a reimbursed catch-up course.
An estimated 3.6 million young adults aged 20–26 missed out on the HPV vaccine when they were teenagers — either because the vaccine wasn't widely recommended then, or because they slipped through the net. The catch-up covers them.
The scheme for those aged 15 and over: 3 doses over 6 months (month 0, month 2, month 6). Reimbursed at 65% by the French health insurance system.
Measles obligation for professionals: who is affected?
The LFSS 2026, article 55, introduces a measles immunisation requirement at entry into training or employment for :
- Healthcare professionals and students (hospitals, clinics, doctors, nurses, pharmacists...)
- Social care and disability sector workers (EHPAD, IME, ESAT...)
- Childcare professionals (nurseries, childminders, after-school care)
The implementing decree specifying the exact list of professions and timelines has not yet been published (as of 13 May 2026). The measures are expected to come into force in the second half of 2026. Contact your employer or professional body for details.
The 11 mandatory vaccines: unchanged
Since January 2018, 11 vaccines are mandatory for all children under 2 years old in France. The 2026 calendar does not change this list. These are verified at nursery and school entry: DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, polio), whooping cough, Haemophilus b, hepatitis B, pneumococcus, MMR, and meningococcal C (for those born before 2023) or ACWY (for those born from 2023).
Is your family up to date for 2026?
Vaxelia reads the HAS 2026 schedule and tells you exactly what's missing for each profile. Children, adults, elderly parents — one view, no account needed, no internet required.
📱 Download Vaxelia — FreeSources: French Ministry of Health — Vaccination calendar 2026 (April 2026) · Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) · Santé publique France · Service-public.fr (verified 29 April 2026). This article is for information only and does not constitute medical advice.