Baby's immunization schedule: so you don't miss any dates
The vaccination calendar for infants is regularly updated by the Ministry of Health. It identifies the ages at which the mandatory vaccines must be administered to children (in particular to be accepted in public establishments such as nurseries). Let's take stock!
1/ Baby's vaccination schedule: mandatory and recommended vaccines
It's easy to get lost! There are now 11 mandatory vaccines since January 1, 2018 (compared to three previously) and they condition entry into a daycare center or reception by a childminder.
In order, these are:
● diphtheria, tetanus, polio
● whooping cough (parents should also be vaccinated before the child arrives)
● invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infections,
● hepatitis B,
● pneumococcal infections,
● invasive meningococcal serogroup C infections,
● measles, mumps and rubella
Children residing in French Guiana, over 12 months old, must also be vaccinated against yellow fever.
Summary by age of mandatory vaccines in France for children born after January 1, 2018 :
| Vaccines against | 2 months | 4 months | 5 months | 11 months | 12 months | 16-18 months |
● Diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, pertussis, haemophilus infuenzae type B ● Hepatitis B | 1st dose | 2nd dose | Reminder | |||
| ● Pneumococcus | 1st dose | 2nd dose | Reminder | |||
| ● Meningococcus | 1st dose | Reminder | ||||
| ● Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) | 1st dose | 2nd dose |
At 6 years old, children will have a recall of the vaccines against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis but also and separately the whooping cough.
Between the ages of 11 and 13, a second booster shot will be given for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and pertussis. Girls and boys can be vaccinated against the Papilloma Virus (HPV).
2/ Recommended baby vaccines by age
Some vaccines in France are not mandatory to be accepted in communities but are strongly recommended to avoid some serious forms of common diseases.
● At one month: BCG is recommended for children living in a high-risk TB environment such as Mayotte or Guyana or for newborns who have a relative with recent TB disease.
● From 2 months of age: ROTARIX or ROTATEQ vaccines that fight gastroenteritis and protect against rotavirus (vomiting, acute diarrhea, dehydration) are also recommended but not required for children under one year of age. They reduce the risk of severe gastroenteritis by more than 85%. After its administration, it is important to check that the baby tolerates it well. In the case of intestinal intussusception with high fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, abdominal pain, repeated crying, it is urgent to go to a doctor (this is a very rare case). The child will be vaccinated (vaccine by ingestion) between 6 and 24 weeks with two doses and one month interval (and before his 6 or 8 months depending on the vaccine).
● At three months: pediatricians and the Ministry of Health recommend, since April 25, 2022, the BEXSERO vaccine against meningococcus B, responsible for two-thirds of bacterial meningitis. The first dose is given at three months, then a second dose at 5 months with a booster at 12 months.
● From 12 months of age, Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for children born to a family with at least one member from a country where the disease is prevalent, for children with cystic fibrosis, or liver disease.
The chickenpox vaccine may also be suggested to children living with immunocompromised individuals or children waiting for an organ transplant. Children over 12 years of age who have never had chickenpox should also be vaccinated.
As a reminder, vaccines should be kept cold between 2 and 8 degrees and refrigerated - it is not recommended to put vaccines in the refrigerator door or in the crisper or to use the vaccine after the expiration date.
For more information, visit the Ministry of Health website and the official vaccination calendar.