In France, some vaccinations are mandatory, others are recommended. In children, and more specifically in infants, 11 vaccines have been mandatory since January 1, 2018. 

Before January 1, 2018, three vaccines were mandatory for children (those against diphtheria, tetanus and polio) and eight were recommended (pertussis, hepatitis B, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcus C, pneumococcus, hemophilia B). Since January 1, 2018, these 11 vaccines are mandatory. Then Minister of Health, Agnès Buzyn had taken this decision with the aim of eradicating certain infectious diseases (in particular measles) because the vaccination coverage at the time had been considered insufficient.

Diphtheria is a very contagious disease caused by bacteria that settle in the throat. This produces a toxin that causes angina characterized by a white coating covering the tonsils. This disease is potentially serious because cardiac or neurological complications, even death, can occur. 

Diphtheria vaccination schedule:

• two injections in infants: a first at the age of 2 months and a second at 4 months. 
• a recall at 11 months.
• several reminders: at the age of 6 years, between 11 and 13 years, then in adults at 25 years, 45 years, 65 years, and thereafter every 10 years. 

Tetanus is a non-contagious disease caused by bacteria that produce a dangerous toxin. This toxin causes significant muscle contractures that can affect the respiratory muscles and lead to death. The main source of contamination is the contact of a wound with the earth (animal bite, injury during gardening work). Vaccination is the only way to protect yourself against the disease because a first infection does not allow you to see a second infection unlike other diseases. 

Tetanus vaccination schedule:

• two injections in infants: a first at the age of 2 months and a second at 4 months. 
• a recall at 11 months.
• several reminders: at the age of 6 years, between 11 and 13 years, then in adults at 25 years, 45 years, 65 years, and thereafter every 10 years. 

Polio is a serious illness caused by a virus that causes paralysis. They are due to damage to the nervous system. The virus is found in the stools of infected people. Transmission is through the consumption of dirty water and through major sales.  

Polio vaccination schedule:

• two injections in infants: a first at the age of 2 months and a second at 4 months. 
• a recall at 11 months.
• several reminders: at the age of 6 years, between 11 and 13 years, then in adults at 25 years, 45 years, 65 years, and thereafter every 10 years. 

Whooping cough is a very contagious disease caused by bacteria. It is manifested by a coughing fit with a significant risk of complications in infants under 6 months. 

Whooping cough vaccination schedule:

• two injections in infants: a first at the age of 2 months and a second at 4 months. 
• a recall at 11 months.
• several reminders: at the age of 6, between 11 and 13 years.

These three very contagious diseases are caused by viruses. 

Symptoms of measles are apparent from pimples preceded by rhinitis, conjunctivitis, cough, very high fever and severe fatigue. Serious potential complications can arise. 

Mumps causes inflammation of the salivary glands, the parotids. This disease is not serious in young children but can be serious in adolescents and adults. 

Rubella is manifested by fever and a rash. It is benign except in unimmunized pregnant women, during the first months of pregnancy, because it can cause fetal malformations. Vaccination helps to see these complications. 

MMR vaccination schedule:

• injection of one dose at 12 months and then of a second dose between 16 and 18 months. 

Haemophilus influenzae type B is a bacterium that causes meningitis and pneumonia. It is found in the nose and throat and is spread through coughs and postilions. The risk of serious infection mainly concerns young children.

Vaccination schedule for Haemophilus influenza type B:

• two injections in the infant: one at 2 months and another at 4 months.
• a recall at 11 months. 
• if the child has not received these first injections, a catch-up vaccination can be done until the age of 5 years. It is organized as follows: two doses and a booster between 6 and 12 months; a single dose beyond 12 months and up to 5 years. 

Hepatitis B is a viral disease that affects the liver and can become chronic. It is spread through contaminated blood and sexual intercourse. 

Hepatitis B vaccination schedule:

• one injection at 2 months of age and another at 4 months.
• a recall at 11 months. 
• if the child has not received these first injections, a catch-up vaccination can be done until the age of 15 years. Two schemes are possible: the classic three-dose scheme or two injections six months apart. 

Vaccination against hepatitis B is performed with a combined vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, Hæmophilus influenzæ type B infections and hepatitis B). 

Pneumococcus is a bacterium responsible for pneumonia which can be serious in frail people, ear infections and meningitis (especially in young children). It is transmitted by postilions and coughs. Resistant to many antibiotics, pneumococcus causes infections that are difficult to treat. 

Pneumococcal vaccination schedule:

• one injection at 2 months of age and another at 4 months.
• a recall at 11 months. 
• in premature babies and infants at high risk of lung infection, three injections and a booster are recommended. 

Vaccination against pneumococcus is recommended after the age of two for children and adults who have had immunosuppression or a disease that increases the risk of pneumococcal infection such as diabetes or COPD.

Found in the nose and throat, meningococcus is a bacteria that can cause meningitis in children and young adults. 

Meningococcal type C vaccination schedule:

• an injection at the age of 5 months.
• a booster at 12 months (this dose can be given with the MMR vaccine).
• a single dose is injected to people over 12 months of age (up to the age of 24) who have not received the primary vaccination. 

Note that the yellow fever vaccine is compulsory for residents of French Guiana, from one year old.