Why Vaccination is a Topic Deserving Clarity and Serenity
When you become a parent, the question of vaccines quickly arises, often even before birth. Between the pediatrician's recommendations, discussions with those around you, and information circulating online, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. This article does not aim to convince or judge, but to provide you with reliable benchmarks, based on the recommendations of French health authorities, to approach this subject with clarity.
Vaccination is one of the most well-documented public health interventions in terms of effectiveness. In France, the French National Authority for Health (Haute Autorité de Santé - HAS) establishes the vaccination schedule, updated annually, in conjunction with the Ministry of Health and Santé Publique France. This schedule is freely accessible on the has-sante.fr and ameli.fr websites.
Mandatory Vaccines for Children Born After January 1, 2018
Since 2018, France has expanded the number of mandatory vaccines for infants. Before this date, only three vaccines were mandatory: diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. Today, eleven vaccines are mandatory for children born from January 1, 2018 onwards.
The List of Eleven Mandatory Vaccines
These eleven vaccines cover the following diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, polio, whooping cough, invasive Haemophilus influenzae type b infections, hepatitis B, invasive pneumococcal infections, meningococcus C, measles, mumps, and rubella. They are all included in combined vaccines, which limits the number of actual injections.
This obligation applies to children up to two years of age. Non-compliance with this obligation may result in refusal of admission to collective childcare settings (crèche, nursery school). It is important to note that this obligation aims at collective as well as individual protection, particularly for infants too young to be vaccinated and for immunocompromised individuals.
Recommended (Non-Mandatory) Vaccines
Beyond the eleven mandatory vaccines, the French vaccination schedule includes recommended vaccines, such as seasonal flu vaccination for certain children, chickenpox in specific situations, or rotavirus. These recommendations vary depending on age, medical history, and family context. Your doctor or pediatrician is best placed to guide you on 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 indicative: always refer to the updated recommendations of your healthcare professional.
At Birth
Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended at birth for newborns whose mother is a carrier of 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 that covers six diseases in a single injection: diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, Haemophilus influenzae b infections, and hepatitis B. Pneumococcal vaccination is also administered at this stage.
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 recommended booster dose.
At 11 Months
A booster for the hexavalent and pneumococcal vaccines is administered. The second dose of the meningococcus C vaccine is also given at this age.
At 12 Months
The MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine 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 for the hexavalent vaccine is given, along with the second dose of MMR.
What Babies Feel After Vaccination: What's Normal
It is common for infants to experience minor reactions after vaccination: redness or slight swelling at the injection site, moderate fever (below 38.5 °C), crying, irritability, or drowsiness in the hours following. These reactions are a sign that the immune system is responding to the vaccine. They usually disappear within 24 to 48 hours.
However, certain signs should prompt you to consult a doctor quickly: persistent high fever, convulsions, breathing difficulties, or significant facial swelling. If in doubt, contact your doctor or 15 (emergency medical service - SAMU). You can also consult the practical guide on 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 generally does not contraindicate vaccination, but your doctor will make this decision on a case-by-case basis during the consultation. It is always best to report any symptoms before vaccination rather than canceling it without medical advice.
My Child is Behind on Vaccinations: What Should I Do?
A delay does not reset the schedule. Your doctor will establish an adapted catch-up schedule. It is never too late to vaccinate a child who is behind.
Are Combination Vaccines Riskier?
No. Combination vaccines (like the hexavalent) were developed precisely to limit the number of injections while maintaining the same efficacy and safety profile as separate vaccines. They are subject to rigorous monitoring by the National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM).
Where Can I Find Reliable Information About Vaccines?
The official French sources are the most reliable: the HAS website (has-sante.fr), Santé Publique France (santepubliquefrance.fr), and Ameli.fr. Your pediatrician or family doctor remains your primary contact for any specific questions about your child.
The Health Record: A Tool Not to Be Neglected
Each vaccination must be recorded in your child's health record, provided at birth by the maternity ward. This official document tracks all received vaccinations and is essential for admission to collective childcare settings, international travel, and medical follow-up throughout life. Keep it carefully and bring it to every consultation.
In case of loss, your doctor can partially reconstruct vaccination history from their records, but some data may be difficult to retrieve. Since 2022, a digital health space (Mon espace santé) also allows this information to be stored in digital form.
Slow Parenting and Vaccination: Two Compatible Values
Choosing to proceed at your own pace, to question, to understand before acting: this is a healthy parenting approach. Vaccination is no exception to this reflection, and it is legitimate to ask questions. What matters is to ask them to the right people, in an open dialogue with your healthcare professional, without being guided solely by unverified sources.
Taking care of your child's health also means providing them with a secure environment where they can grow serenely. To support the first months of awakening at home, we designed our activity mat to support the infant's motor and sensory development in a reassuring and stimulating environment, without overwhelming them.
If you wish to delve deeper into other aspects of life with a newborn, you can consult our article on the truly useful essentials for returning home with a newborn or on designing a Montessori baby room.
