Given the cases of meningitis in France, a Meningococcal B vaccine is now reimbursable for adolescents and young adults, from 15 to 24 years old, who would like to benefit from it, according to a decree published this Friday, April 4 in the official magazine.
This decree occurs following an opinion issued, in mid -March, by the high health authority (HA) that advocated the expansion of the Bexsero’s refund (GSK Laboratory) to this age category. The Minister responsible for health and access to care Yannick Neuder had also promised to quickly implement the main recommendations.
With 184 cases during the first two months of the year, at the beginning of 2025 it was marked by a much greater number of cases than a year earlierAlthough 2024 had experienced an unprecedented level for twenty years, with 615 cases.
“It is an important advance because even the most disadvantaged can be vaccinated, especially young students,” Dr. Hervé Haas, president of the Pediatric Infectious Pathology Group (GPIP) told AFP.
“Meningococcus B vaccination is relatively expensive and for a young person who has limited resources, is 80 euros per dose”, while “15-24 year olds are at greater risk in adolescents and adults,” he added.
A campaign already released in Rennes
Infections caused by meningococcal, bacteria, are sometimes the cause of the most serious meningitis, but also sepsis, even arthritis or forms with gastrointestinal symptoms.
After the death of an 18 -year -old woman in Rennes and several cases in the department, the health authorities launched a large vaccination campaign against Meningococcus B at the beginning of March.
Of about 100,000 people between 15 and 24 years old, less than half were vaccinated a month later, according to Brittany’s Ars. And they will need a second dose four weeks after the first to be completely protected.
The vaccination rules had already changed since Januaryin particular to respond to the emergence of new strains: A, and W, the latter being particularly deadly, with 20% death in 2024 according to ha. They almost supplanted Meningococcus C, which was pointed uniquely by a vaccine. However, strain B – objective of another vaccine – remains the most widespread.
Given the health context, the minister responsible for health plans “before summer” a great national campaign aimed at children aged 15 to 24.
Source: BFM TV
