In recent months, 12 cases of meningococcal B linked to a new variant have been detected in Auvergne Rhône-Alpes (ARA), said the Regional Health Agency (ARS) on August 10 in a press release. The people concerned were mostly between the ages of 16 and 21 and most frequented the Chambéry sector and an area of eastern Lyon.
More than 200 municipalities concerned
In view of this exceptional situation, the ARS recommends the vaccination of children aged 0-2 and people aged 16-24 in the geographical sectors concerned, namely: 115 municipalities in Savoie, Isère and Ain for the Chambery sector; and 90 municipalities in Ain, Isère and Rhône for the eastern Lyon area.
In the Rhône, the municipalities of Colombier-Saugnieu, Jonage, Jons, Meyzieu and Pusignan are concerned. The full list of municipalities can be viewed at the ARS website.
The ARS recommends that 16-24 year olds living in these towns get vaccinated and parents of infants aged 0-2 years to ensure that their child has been vaccinated, in accordance with new recommendations from the HAS (Haute Autorité de Santé ) in the 2022 vaccination calendar and, if this is not the case, to approach their doctor/paediatrician. The vaccine “is the only means of prevention against meningococcal B”, specifies the ARS.
An injection and a booster
Vaccination includes a first injection and a booster with a period of at least one month between the two injections. The people concerned by this vaccination are informed by letter from the ARS.
As part of this campaign, the vaccine against meningococcal B is subject to 100% reimbursement (65% health insurance + 35% mutual) when purchased in pharmacies and is delivered free of charge in vaccination centers mobilized.
In order to answer any questions concerning this vaccination campaign, the ARS has set up a toll-free number: 0 800 100 378 (free call, service open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on working days).
Meningococci are bacteria that can cause very serious illnesses such as meningitis or septicemia which can be fatal or leave significant sequelae. The disease is most often manifested by fever, severe headaches, often accompanied by vomiting. Two symptoms should particularly alert: a poorly tolerated high fever, and/or one or more rapidly appearing red or purplish spots (purpura). If these symptoms appear, contact 15.