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 Coverage 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 the 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

An increase in the number of cases of invasive meningococcal infections has been observed in recent years. Meningococci are bacteria normally found in the throats and noses of many people. Certain meningococci can sometimes cause very serious illnesses such as meningitis or sepsis, which can be fatal or leave significant long-term effects (paralysis, mental retardation, etc.). Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent them.

As a result, the vaccination strategy has been strengthened to protect the populations most at risk:

• 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 as well as in all individuals aged 65 and older, according to a simplified single-dose schedule.

Vaccination against seasonal influenza

For people aged 65 and older, high-dose or adjuvanted vaccines are preferred, although standard-dose vaccines may still be used.
In addition, a new vaccine, Flucelvax, has now been incorporated into the seasonal flu vaccination strategy for children aged 6 months and older who are at risk of severe illness, in order to expand the available options (covered at 65% by health insurance).

Vaccination rates are on the rise, but still need to improve to combat certain diseases

Vaccination against HPV infections

Vaccination coverage for the HPV vaccine continues to rise:

• In 2025, 61.6% of 15-year-old girls had received a first dose of the vaccine. This figure was 58.4% in 2024;
• In 2025, 46.0% of 15-year-old boys had received a first dose of the vaccine. This figure was 36.9% in 2024.

This positive trend is part of vaccination campaigns organized in middle schools and in medical-social facilities serving youth with disabilities, which make it possible to:

• Offer 7th-grade students and young people with disabilities aged 11 to 14 in medical-social facilities easy and free access to vaccination;
• Raise awareness among young people and their families about the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure against certain cancers.

To eliminate cancers linked to HPV infections, including cervical cancer, the Ten-Year Cancer Control Strategy sets a vaccination coverage target of 80% by 2030.

Vaccination against meningococcal infections

Vaccination coverage against meningococcal disease is high among infants, while it needs to increase among adolescents and young adults.

Among infants: 88.2% of infants received a first dose of the ACWY meningococcal vaccine at 8 months, and 96.8% received a first dose of the meningococcal B vaccine.

Among young people:

• In 2025, vaccination coverage against meningococcal ACWY is estimated at 17.1% among 11- to 14-year-olds and at 10% among 15-year-olds.
• 7.9% of young people aged 15–24 have been vaccinated.

Communication and outreach efforts targeting these groups will continue. In this regard, since September 2025, the middle school vaccination campaign—which initially provided free HPV vaccinations for adolescents—has been expanded. Vaccination against meningococcal ACWY is now also offered there. It can be administered at the same time as the HPV vaccine.

Measles Vaccination

Vaccination coverage against measles, mumps, and rubella at 24 months of age is 95.5% for the first dose and 92.7% for the second dose, representing a positive trend since 2018. Nevertheless, given the current rise in measles cases in France, it is important to note that vaccination coverage (2 doses) remains below 95% (both nationally and in each region), which is the target needed to eliminate the disease. Beyond vaccinating infants, efforts to catch up on vaccinations for those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated should continue.

More than 8 in 10 people support vaccination

Santé publique France publishes data on vaccination uptake to guide and develop initiatives aimed at promoting vaccination among healthcare professionals and the general public.

The results of the Santé publique France 2024 Barometer confirm strong public support for vaccination in general: 80% of adults aged 18 to 79 are in favor of vaccination. Among them, 25% say they are very much in favor of vaccination.
Support for vaccination, which does not differ by gender, is, however, higher at the extremes of the age spectrum, among those aged 18–29 and those aged 70–79. Another finding: socioeconomic disparities persist, with higher vaccination support among people with higher levels of education and better financial circumstances.

Nevertheless, among 18- to 75-year-olds living in mainland France, support for vaccination begins to decline slightly in 2024, compared to the previous edition of the Santé publique France Barometer (80% versus 84% in 2021).

These results show that it is important to continue efforts to inform and promote vaccination among everyone, with a view to collective protection.