France, champion of vaccine mistrust? Despite this reputation maintained by the chaotic beginnings of the vaccination campaign against Covid-19, parents continue to protect their infants against infectious diseases. According to figures from Public Health France (SPF), vaccination coverage has even increased for the eleven compulsory vaccines, but with various effects: + 3.8 points for the first dose of the vaccine against meningococcal C, increased from 84.9 % to 88.7% between 2019 and 2021, but only +0.6 points for the third dose of the hexavalent vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis, whooping cough,Haemophilus influenzae b and hepatitis B (increased from 90.3% to 90.9% between 2018 and 2020), while previous years recorded an increase of 6.4 points.
Moreover, “even if the vaccination coverage against measles at the age of 2 years progresses regularly, it does not yet reach the 95% necessary for its elimination” in France, specifies SPF in its report of April 28.
Mixed results, therefore, but which contrast with the data from the United States pointing to a general decline in the vaccination coverage of American children. “Despite the drop in healthcare use due to the Covid-19 epidemic, this upward French trend is probably linked to the vaccination obligation of eleven vaccines established in 2018”advances Anke Bourgeois, doctor in the infectious and tropical diseases department of the Montpellier University Hospital.
Extension of vaccine skills
Nevertheless, information work still remains to be done. “Most people don’t know that boosters are necessary in adulthood”recalls Anke Bourgeois, in particular for diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis at 25 and 45 years old. “This is why we must advocate for vaccination consultations in themselves, and not just in addition to consultations for a disease”argues the doctor. Since April 23the extension of vaccination skills for pharmacists, nurses and midwives for those over 16 will make it possible to multiply the points of contact and thus simplify the vaccination process for patients.
Health professionals are also warning about the delay in vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV), which is not compulsory but recommended since 2007 for young girls aged 11 to 14 (catch-up vaccination possible up to 19 years old) and since 1er January 2021 in young boys, in the prevention of cancers of the cervix, ENT, anus, vulva, vagina and penis.
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