Vaccination Coverage in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region

Among infants

Since January 1, 2025, the mandatory meningococcal ACWY vaccination for infants has resulted in high coverage (nearly 88%). Vaccination coverage against meningococcal B is also increasing, with 63% of infants up to date (+13 percentage points compared to 2024). While other infant vaccination coverage rates remain generally close to the 95% target, the resurgence of measles virus circulation since 2024 underscores the importance of continuing measles vaccination efforts.

Among adolescents and young adults

ACWY vaccination coverage remains insufficient in 2025 (13% of 11- to 14-year-olds and 5% of 15- to 24-year-olds vaccinated) to address the increased frequency of invasive meningococcal infections and the potential severity of these infections during adolescence. Its inclusion in middle school vaccination campaigns starting in 2026 should help strengthen herd immunity. At the same time, vaccination coverage against human papillomavirus (HPV) is increasing (42% of 16-year-old girls and 24% of 16-year-old boys have completed the full vaccination series), with the gap between girls and boys narrowing. However, vaccination coverage remains far from the target of 80% by 2030. Efforts must continue, particularly to promote vaccination among boys, which is essential for equitable and sustainable protection.

Vaccination Uptake

According to the 2024 Santé publique France Barometer in Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, even though 78% of adults aged 18 to 79 reported being very or somewhat in favor of vaccination, the region had one of the lowest vaccination uptake rates in France and showed no real progress compared to the level estimated in 2021. Among young people, however, the uptake rate was higher, with 82% of 18- to 25-year-olds stating they were very or somewhat in favor of vaccination in general. These results show that it is crucial to continue efforts to inform and promote vaccination among everyone, with a view to collective protection.

What's New in the 2026 Vaccination Schedule

The 2026 vaccination schedule introduces several significant changes aimed at strengthening protection for the population and better targeting at-risk groups.
 

HPV Vaccination: Expanded Vaccination to Better Protect an Entire Generation.

Vaccination against HPV infections is still primarily recommended between the ages of 11 and 14, when its effectiveness is highest. It is offered free of charge as part of a vaccination campaign in middle school for 7th-grade students.

In addition, to provide a catch-up opportunity for those who were not vaccinated at a younger age, HPV vaccination has been expanded: it now covers all young men and women up to age 26, to improve prevention of cancers linked to these infections. It is covered at 65% by health insurance.

Vaccination against invasive meningococcal infections: a strengthened vaccination strategy to better protect populations most at risk of meningitis and address the resurgence of these infections

Due to an increase in the number of cases of invasive meningococcal infections observed during the 2024–2025 season, vaccination recommendations have changed:

• For all children born after 2023, vaccinations against meningococcal ACWY and meningococcal B are mandatory;
• A catch-up vaccination campaign against meningococcal ACWY and B is being implemented on a temporary basis for young children aged 2 to 4 years (up to their 5th birthday), including those who have already been vaccinated against meningococcal C;
• Vaccination against meningococcal ACWY is recommended for all adolescents aged 11 to 14;
• A catch-up vaccination against meningococcal ACWY is recommended for all individuals aged 15 to 24.

Vaccination against pneumococcal infections: a new vaccine for expanded protection

Regarding pneumococcal infections, a new vaccine, Capvaxive®, has been incorporated into the vaccination strategy. It can be used, just like Prevenar 20®, in adults at increased risk of severe disease as well as in all individuals aged 65 and older, according to a simplified single-dose schedule.

Seasonal influenza vaccination

For people aged 65 and older, the use of high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines is preferred, although the use of standard-dose vaccines remains an option. In addition, a new vaccine, Flucelvax®, has now been incorporated into the seasonal influenza vaccination strategy for children aged 6 months and older at risk of severe disease, in order to expand the available options (65% covered by health insurance).

An Action Plan to Boost Vaccination Rates

Building on the initiatives already underway, the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Regional Health Agency will continue its efforts, in collaboration with Santé publique France Paca-Corse, the Health Insurance Fund, and its partners, focusing on several priority areas: increasing vaccination rates among adolescents and young adults, improving access to vaccination by leveraging local stakeholders and grassroots initiatives, better informing the public and combating misinformation, and supporting healthcare professionals in their role of promoting vaccination. The goal is to consolidate vaccination coverage and facilitate access to vaccination at all stages of life, particularly for populations most at risk or furthest from the healthcare system.