Why vaccination is a topic that deserves clarity and calm
When you become a parent, the question of vaccines arises quickly, often even before the birth. Between your paediatrician's recommendations, discussions around you, and information circulating online, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. This article is not intended to convince or judge, but to provide reliable guidance based on the recommendations of the French health authorities, so you can approach the topic clearly.
Vaccination is one of the public health interventions whose effectiveness is best documented. In France, the Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS) establishes the vaccination schedule, updated every year, in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Santé Publique France. This schedule is freely available on has-sante.fr and ameli.fr.
Mandatory vaccines for children born after 1 January 2018
Since 2018, France has expanded the number of mandatory vaccines for infants. Before that date, only three vaccines were mandatory: diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. Today, eleven vaccines are mandatory for children born on or after 1 January 2018.
The list of eleven mandatory vaccines
These eleven vaccines cover the following diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, invasive infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b, hepatitis B, invasive pneumococcal infections, meningococcus C, measles, mumps, and rubella. They are all included in combination vaccines, which limits the actual number of injections.
Since 1 January 2025, vaccination against meningococcal B and ACWY has also been mandatory for infants. Our article on meningococcal disease in babies presents the 2025 figures and the schedule for these vaccines.
This requirement applies to children up to the age of two. Failure to comply may result in refusal of admission to a group setting (nursery, pre-school). It is important to note that this requirement aims to protect the community as well as individuals, particularly infants who are too young to be vaccinated and people who are immunocompromised.
Recommended vaccines (not mandatory)
In addition to the eleven mandatory vaccines, the French vaccination schedule includes recommended vaccines, including seasonal flu vaccination for some children, chickenpox vaccination in certain situations, and vaccination against rotavirus. These recommendations vary depending on age, medical history, and family circumstances. Your doctor or paediatrician is best placed to guide you in these choices.
The simplified vaccination schedule from 0 to 3 years
Here is an overview of the main vaccination milestones during the first three years of life, as defined by the current vaccination schedule. This summary is for guidance only: always refer to the updated recommendations of your healthcare professional.
At birth
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended at birth for newborns whose mother carries the HBs antigen. For other infants, it begins at two months.
At 2 months
This is the first major vaccination appointment. The infant receives a hexavalent vaccine covering six diseases in a single injection: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae b infections, and hepatitis B. Vaccination against pneumococcal disease is also given at this stage. Since July 2026, the HAS has recommended switching to Prevenar 20 in four doses: our article on the pneumococcal vaccine for babies explains what this means.
At 4 months
A second dose of the same vaccines is administered. This is also when some doctors offer the rotavirus vaccine, which protects against a major cause of severe gastroenteritis in infants.
At 5 months
The meningococcus C vaccine is introduced at this age, with a booster dose recommended.
At 11 months
A booster of the hexavalent and pneumococcal vaccines is given. This is also when the second dose of the meningococcus C vaccine is administered.
At 12 months
The MMR vaccine (measles-mumps-rubella) is administered in two doses, the first at 12 months and the second between 16 and 18 months.
Between 16 and 18 months
A booster of the hexavalent vaccine is given, along with the second dose of the MMR vaccine.
How babies feel after vaccination: what is normal
It is common for infants to experience mild reactions after vaccination: redness or slight swelling at the injection site, a moderate fever (below 38.5 °C), crying, irritability, or drowsiness in the following hours. These reactions indicate that the immune system is responding to the vaccine. They generally disappear within 24 to 48 hours.
However, certain signs should prompt you to seek medical attention quickly: a persistent high fever, seizures, breathing difficulties, or significant swelling of the face. If in doubt, contact your doctor or call 15 (SAMU, the French medical emergency number). You can also consult the practical guide from Ameli.fr dedicated to post-vaccination reactions.
Questions parents often ask
Can a baby with a cold or mild illness be vaccinated?
A cold or mild fever is generally not a contraindication to vaccination, but your doctor will make this decision on a case-by-case basis during the consultation. It is always preferable to report any symptoms before vaccination rather than cancelling it without medical advice.
My child has fallen behind on vaccinations: what should I do?
A delay does not reset the schedule. Your doctor will establish an appropriate catch-up schedule. It is never too late to vaccinate a child who has fallen behind.
Are combination vaccines riskier?
No. Combination vaccines (such as the hexavalent vaccine) were specifically developed to limit the number of injections while maintaining the same effectiveness and safety profile as separate vaccines. They are subject to rigorous monitoring by the Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament (ANSM, the French medicines regulator).
Where can I find reliable information about vaccines?
Official French sources are the most reliable: the HAS website (has-sante.fr), the Santé Publique France website (santepubliquefrance.fr), and Ameli.fr. Your paediatrician or GP remains your main point of contact for any questions specific to your child.
The health record: a tool not to overlook
Every vaccination must be recorded in your child's health record, given to you at birth by the maternity ward. This official document records all vaccinations received and is essential for admission to group settings, international travel, and medical follow-up throughout life. Keep it safe and bring it to every appointment.
If it is lost, your doctor can partially reconstruct your child's vaccination history from their records, but some information may be difficult to recover. Since 2022, a digital health space (Mon espace santé) has also made it possible to store this information electronically.
Slow parenting and vaccination: two compatible values
Choosing to move at your own pace, ask questions, and understand before taking action: this is a healthy parenting approach. Vaccination is no exception to this reflection, and it is legitimate to have questions. What matters is asking the right people, in an open dialogue with your healthcare professional, without relying solely on unverified sources.
Taking care of your child's health also means providing a safe environment where they can grow peacefully. To support your baby's first months of discovery at home, we designed our play mat to support the infant's motor and sensory development in a reassuring and stimulating setting, without overwhelming their environment.
If you would like to explore other aspects of life with a newborn, you can read our article on the truly useful essentials for coming home or on setting up a baby's room using a Montessori approach.
