How and when to vaccinate children

Doctors are urging parents to vaccinate their children in the wake of a measles outbreak in the south of France.

Unlike vaccinations for diphtheria (dipthérie), tetanus (tétanus) and polio (poliomyélite), which must be given to children before they start school, the measles jab is optional.

It is combined with rubella and mumps ones, but for parents worried by the UK’s MMR health scare it is possible to ask for them separately, according to Dr Roland Didonna of Nice, founder of Riviera Medical Services.

“Vaccinating a child is always a bit difficult and if they are reluctant, it is just simpler to do three-in-one,” he said. The jab is highly recommended by doctors, as are whooping cough (coqueluche) and TB (tuberculose).

All three jabs should be done before the child is two with the first at age one. Two doses are needed, with at least a month in between.

With only 86% of children vaccinated against MMR by two, France has a low take-up.

This has lead to outbreaks such as in 2003, when 259 people caught measles in the Provence Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.

Symptoms include fever and red marks but more serious are a host of possible short and long-term complications, some potentially fatal.

Statistics show there is less take-up in the south compared to the north.

Dr Didonna said a booster jab was recommended at ages five to six. If overlooked it could also be done at 11-13.

Parents moving from the UK can show their doctor the child's NHS Health Record Book to show jabs done and to ask about further recommended ones.

To keep a record of jabs a doctor can supply a carnet de vaccinations.

A carnet de santé, in which doctors can note all medical treatments a child has had, is available from your mairie.

Vaccination sessions are done at doctors' clinics and at free sessions organised by mairies. The treatment is free. If you register with the mairie they will alert you to public sessions.