Vaccination: diphtheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis (DTP)

Verified 02 September 2024 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Is vaccination against diphtheria, tetanus and poliomyelitis (DTP) mandatory or recommended? It depends on the age and the situation of the person. These rules apply to all persons residing in France, regardless of their nationality. We are taking stock of the regulations.

Warning  

Primary vaccination (2 injections followed by a booster) is obligatory for all children born on or after 1er January 2018.

Tableau - Mandatory vaccines and boosters (mandatory or recommended) set by the vaccination schedule

Vaccine

Injection required

Reminder required

Recommended Reminders

Diphtheria

  • 1re 2-month injection
  • 2e 4-month injection

At 11 months

  • At 6 years old
  • Between 11 and 13 years
  • At 25 years old
  • At age 45
  • At age 65
  • Then every 10 years

Tetanus

  • 1re 2-month injection
  • 2e 4-month injection

At 11 months

  • At 6 years old
  • Between 11 and 13 years
  • At 25 years old
  • At age 45
  • At age 65
  • Then every 10 years

Poliomyelitis

  • 1re 2-month injection
  • 2e 4-month injection

At 11 months

  • At 6 years old
  • Between 11 and 13 years
  • At 25 years old
  • At age 45
  • At age 65
  • Then every 10 years

Please note

All boosters at age 6 and 11-13 against DTP and pertussis are essential for long-term protection.

The vaccine is bought in a pharmacy.

Purchase of DTP vaccines is refunded, on medical prescription, to 65% by Social Security.

FYI  

The remaining part is usually covered by complementary bodies (mutual).

The vaccine injection is:

  • Reimbursed to 70% by the Social Security if it is the doctor or midwife who vaccinates you during a consultation 
  • Reimbursed to 60% by Social Security if performed by a nurse
  • Free at a public health facility.

Please note

Vaccine injection can be managed at 100% for people with certain long-term conditions.

The person exercising parental authority (usually the parents) must ensure that their child is up to date with the required vaccinations.

A parent who fails to comply with his or her legal obligations to such an extent as to endanger the health of his or her minor child shall be punished by:

  • 2 years imprisonment
  • And from €30,000 of fine.

If you notice an adverse effect on your health, following vaccination, you can report it on the portal "Health reporting":

Health reporting

Who can help me?

Find who can answer your questions in your region

  • Health Info Rights

    A telephone line created by a collective of user associations to provide legal or social information related to health

    By telephone

    01 53 62 40 30

    Price of a local call

    Open Service:

    • mondays, wednesdays and fridays from 2pm to 6pm
    • tuesdays and thursdays from 2pm to 8pm

    By Form

    You can also ask your question by completing the contact form ;

    From this form, you can request to be called back.