Table 1 Main strategies to overcome low coverage rates of HPV vaccines implemented in France over the past 10 years

To increase the vaccination demand from the general population

Combating vaccine criticism and fears (since 2009)

HPV campaigns on cervical cancer prevention for adolescents and parents have been launched since 2009 as part of the national cancer plan. Since 2023, a multifaceted communication strategy has been implemented, including radio spots and influencer videos (from the French National Cancer Institute)²³.

Substantial efforts have been made to provide reliable, transparent and loyal information on all vaccinations in the traditional media, on the internet and the main social media platforms.

Website “vaccination-info-service.fr” (from Santé publique France).

Multifaceted communication strategy delivered via formats and content tailored by age and by sociocultural context.

To improve the vaccination opportunity provided by health professionals

Supporting health professionals to address patients’ questions and doubts about vaccine recommendations (Since 2016)

Initiatives have been launched by health professionals and academia, targeting all vaccines (vaccination-info-service.fr, mesvaccins.net) or focusing on the HPV vaccine (soshpv.org): to improve vaccine training and provide tools and information to professionals in their daily practice.

An increased number of courses have been developed on vaccination and communication skills (motivational interviews) in initial and continuing medical education.

Focus on the tendency of some health professionals to select patients to whom they offer vaccines on the basis of sociocultural characteristics.

To decrease pathogen transmission

Extending the target population of vaccination (since 2020)

First recommended for all 11–14 years girls, HPV vaccination was extended in 2020 to all adolescents (girls and boys) aged 11–14 years²⁴.

Measure to protect men, and facilitate vaccine promotion through a gender-neutral approach

To improve access to vaccination

Allowing more health professionals to vaccinate^25,26,27 (Since 2019)

In 2022: 15 vaccines (including HPV) were authorized for administration by pharmacists and nurses, without prior medical prescription, for individuals ≥16 years old.

In 2023: Pharmacists, nurses and midwives were authorized to prescribe and administer 23 vaccines (including HPV), for individuals ≥11 years old.

Accessibility to a large variety of health professionals authorized to vaccine, available in all French territories, even in socio-economically disadvantaged and medically underserved territories (e.g., community pharmacies).

To improve access to vaccination

Offering to vaccinate, free of charge, at school (since 2021)

Since 2023–2024: HPV vaccination campaigns have been conducted in middle schools for 7th graders (aged 12–13 years).

In France, school is mandatory for all individuals from 3 to 16 years old, regardless of their social and geographic characteristics. The free of charge vaccine should facilitate access for socio-economically deprived adolescents.