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What does science say about the eleven vaccines that will be mandatory for all children in France starting in 2018? INSERM has just published an official report.

18 Dec 2017 | By INSERM (Newsroom) | Institutional and special event

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In the context of the extension of mandatory vaccination that will go into effect in 2018, immunization is becoming a topic of public debate. People are often ill-informed, basing their opinions on the catastrophist arguments of anti-vaccine lobbies and the lack of relevant training on the part of medical professionals. France has become one of the countries where defiance against vaccination is at its strongest worldwide. The controversy is happening despite the facts that the mandatory vaccinations match the current immunization calendar and that no additional vaccines have been added. The purpose of this measure is to ensure that children are actually receiving the vaccines that are scheduled for all children.

In four chapters, this INSERM report reviews the scientific knowledge that must underlie a rational decision on the part of lawmakers:

  1. The eleven vaccines that will become mandatory in France have been scientifically proven to be safe and effective.
  2. The increase in vaccination coverage of babies will provide individual benefits by directly protecting the vaccinated child, as well as collective benefits by reducing the risk of contamination for unvaccinated individuals.
  3. Foreign decision-makers have divided opinions on whether to simply recommend vaccination or to make it mandatory.
  4. The temporary extension of the mandatory character of eleven vaccines recommended for children, as endorsed by the Citizen Advisory Orientation Committee on Vaccination, must be accompanied by the implementation of priority actions and the development of research programs that cover the various aspects of vaccination. 

View INSERM’s complete report in french here

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