Two vaccines offered against HPV and Acwy meningococcus

HPV vaccinations and ACWY meningococcus offered to all 5th graders. For what ?

Highly transmitted, human papillomavirus infections (HPV) are common: 80 % of the population has already been in contact with these viruses. Vaccination prevents up to 90 % of these infections, responsible for precancerous lesions and cancers, including the cervix and the throat. Recommended since 2007 for girls aged 11 to 14, it has also been for boys of the same age since 2021, with the aim of reducing, or even eliminating, cancers related to HPV.

According to Public Health France, the 2023-2024 campaign has increased more than 20 points in vaccination coverage in ten months. At the end of the second phase of the campaign (at 30/06/2024), taking into account vaccinations made in town and college, vaccination coverage against HPV at least one dose of boys born in 2011 was estimated at 48 % and that of girls at 62 %. There is an increase of 24 points in girls and 22 points in boys compared to the measurement made before the start of the campaign. Vaccination coverage for two doses was estimated at 30 % in boys and 38 % in girls.

The campaign has thus compared the vaccination coverage of the 60 % target set for 2023. Another effort to be made and, to achieve it, the school campaigns are effective. The target by 2030 is a vaccination coverage rate of 80 %, in accordance with the ten-year cancer strategy 2021-2030.

The efficiency of HPV vaccines is confirmed, with a drop in precancerous lesions of the cervix up to 51 % in adolescent girls. More than ten years of decline, 6 million doses prescribed in France and 300 million worldwide confirm their good security profile. No link with autoimmune diseases has been established.

To find out more: vaccination against human papillomavirus in detail

Invasive infections with ACWY meningococcal, managers of sometimes fatal serious meningitis, increased sharply in 2024, with 615 cases declared (compared to 500 on average). The first months of 2025 were even marked by a disturbing resurgence of these infections. Adolescents and young adults are the most exposed. A single dose of vaccine is recommended between 11 and 14 years old, including those already vaccinated younger against meningococcal C or ACWY. This vaccine provides effective and prolonged protection.

Note: Since January 1, 2025, vaccination against meningococcus B and Méningococci Acwy has become compulsory for infants. Acwy meningococcal vaccination is recommended between 11 and 14 years old, with possible catch -up up to 24 years.

Everything you need to know about: meningococcal meningitis and septicemia

– The vaccination sessions take place between January and June;

– the HPV vaccination scheme extends over two consecutive school years, with a maximum period of 13 months between the two doses (a first dose administered in the 5th grade and the second dose in 4th);

– students who have received a first dose in town can receive the second in college;

– the ACWY meningococcal vaccine, administered in a single dose, can be offered during one or the other of these two years;

– the two vaccines can be co-administered during the same session;

– These vaccinations, free for families (full management by health insurance), are made in college by qualified mobile teams;

– The vaccination of minors requires the authorization of the two holders of parental authority. Thus, in the event of signing of a single parent because of a material impossibility of signing for the other parent, the signatory undertakes the honor that the co-holder person of parental authority has given his authorization.

– The health book can be presented in different format (photocopying or photography) and in the event of inability to present it, parents will be able to write a certificate on honor and confirm the previous non-realization of the requested vaccinations.

Information sessions will be organized at the start of the school year for parents and 5th students. Communication will thus be reinforced and anticipated between September and December 2025, with parents and students. These adjustments respond to a clear request for information, highlighted by the IPSOS 2025 barometer (for MSD): one in two parent does not have received enough information on HPV vaccination at school.

According to data from this barometer, 43 % of parents had their child vaccinated against HPV outside the school framework (52 % in Occitania, 45 % in New Aquitaine).

In addition, 88 % of parents know that this vaccination is offered to all 5th grade college students (79 % in Occitania, 96 % in New Aquitaine).

In summary, the HPV vaccination campaign in 5th grade is known by nearly nine out of ten parents of adolescents at this educational level. Almost a third perceives vaccination at school as a practical solution. Some remain hesitant, however, preferring that the attending physician achieves vaccination or wishing to attend the injection.