Why Vaccination Is a Topic That Deserves Clarity and Calm
When you become a parent, the question of vaccines comes up quickly, often even before the baby is born. Between your pediatrician’s recommendations, discussions with those around you, and the information circulating online, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. This article is not intended to persuade or judge, but to provide reliable guidance based on the recommendations of the French health authorities, so that you can approach the subject 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 collaboration 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 January 1, 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 January 1, 2018.
The List of the 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 disease, meningococcal C disease, measles, mumps, and rubella. They are all included in combination vaccines, which limits the actual number of injections.
This requirement applies to children up to the age of two. Failure to comply may result in refusal of admission to a childcare facility or school. It is important to note that this requirement is intended to protect the community as well as individuals, particularly infants who are too young to be vaccinated and immunocompromised people.
Recommended Vaccines (Not Mandatory)
In addition to the eleven mandatory vaccines, the French vaccination schedule includes recommended vaccines, such as seasonal flu vaccination for certain children, chickenpox vaccination in specific situations, and vaccination against rotavirus. These recommendations vary depending on age, medical history, and family circumstances. Your doctor or pediatrician is best placed to advise 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 for guidance only: always refer to your healthcare professional’s updated recommendations.
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 type b infections, and hepatitis B. Pneumococcal vaccination is also given 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
Meningococcal C vaccination is introduced at this age, with a booster dose recommended.
At 11 Months
A booster dose of the hexavalent and pneumococcal vaccines is given. This is also when the second dose of the meningococcal C vaccine is administered.
At 12 Months
The MMR vaccine (measles, mumps, and 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 dose of the hexavalent vaccine is given, along with the second dose of the MMR vaccine.
How Babies May 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 advice quickly: a persistent high fever, seizures, breathing difficulties, or significant swelling of the face. If in doubt, contact your doctor or call 15 (SAMU). You can also consult the Ameli.fr fact sheet 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 is not a contraindication to vaccination, but your doctor will make this decision on a case-by-case basis during the appointment. It is always preferable to mention any symptoms before vaccination rather than canceling it without medical advice.
My Child Is Behind on Their Vaccinations: What Should I Do?
A delay does not reset the schedule. Your doctor will establish an appropriate catch-up plan. It is never too late to vaccinate a child who has fallen behind.
Are Combination Vaccines More Risky?
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 closely monitored by the French National Agency for Medicines and Health Products Safety (ANSM).
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 pediatrician or family doctor remains your primary point of contact for any questions specific to your child.
The Health Record: An Important Tool
Every vaccination should be recorded in your child’s health record, given to you by the maternity unit at birth. This official document records all vaccinations received and is essential for admission to childcare or school, 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 account (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 acting is a healthy parenting approach. Vaccination is no exception, and it is perfectly legitimate to have questions. What matters is asking the right people, in an open dialogue with your healthcare professional, rather than 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 exploration at home, we designed our baby 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.
