The département of Doubs, located in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region of eastern France, has recently addressed a gap in its healthcare infrastructure with the launch of a mobile vaccination center. For years, the Doubs was unique among French departments in lacking a dedicated departmental vaccination facility, relying instead on services provided by the cities of Besançon and Montbéliard. This new initiative aims to bridge that gap, bringing vital preventative care directly to residents, particularly those facing barriers to access.
The mobile vaccination service, spearheaded by the Association d’Hygiène Sociale Franche-Comté (AHS FC) and funded by the Agence Régionale de Santé (ARS) Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, began operations on February 17th, 2026, with a first outreach event in Pontarlier. The service operates from a base within the *maison médicale de garde* (walk-in medical center) in Pontarlier, but its core mission is to deploy vaccination teams throughout the department, reaching communities outside of Besançon and Montbéliard. The AHS FC anticipates vaccinating between 3,000 and 4,000 individuals in the first year, with a long-term goal of 6,000 vaccinations annually.
Addressing Healthcare Disparities in the Doubs
The Doubs, a largely rural department bordering Switzerland, presents unique challenges to healthcare access. According to data from the French National Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (INSEE), as of 2023, the Doubs has a population of 547,163 residents spread across 563 communes, resulting in a population density of 105 inhabitants per square kilometer. This dispersed population, coupled with the presence of *déserts médicaux* (medical deserts) – areas with limited access to healthcare professionals – necessitates innovative solutions like mobile vaccination units. The AHS FC specifically targets individuals experiencing precarious living situations, those lacking social security coverage, and those facing mobility challenges.
Karen Lagoutte-Verrier, head of service at the AHS FC, explained the rationale behind the mobile approach: “We go to the patient. Our target audience is people in precarious situations, living in medical deserts or without social security rights.” This proactive approach aims to overcome logistical hurdles that prevent vulnerable populations from receiving essential vaccinations. The team is equipped to administer a comprehensive range of vaccines, including those mandated for children and recommended for all age groups.
Vaccination Priorities: HPV and Beyond
The mobile vaccination center has two primary objectives. First, it will conduct vaccination campaigns in middle schools (collèges) against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and certain types of meningitis. HPV vaccination is a key public health initiative aimed at preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related diseases. Second, the center will offer a broad spectrum of vaccinations throughout the department, encompassing all mandatory and recommended vaccines. Currently, eleven vaccines are required for children under two years of age in France, with additional vaccines recommended at various stages of life.
Dr. Joël Leroy, a retired pediatric infectious disease specialist from the University Hospital of Besançon (CHU de Besançon), is a key member of the vaccination team. He has continued to participate in vaccination campaigns since 2023 and enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to join the mobile unit. “I still want to help the population,” Dr. Leroy stated, emphasizing the importance of vaccination in protecting both individuals and the wider community. He highlighted the resurgence of preventable diseases, such as meningitis, and the critical role of collective immunity in safeguarding public health.
Expanding Reach Across the Doubs
Beyond Pontarlier, the AHS FC has identified nine additional priority areas for intervention: Ornans, Maîche, Valdahon, Baume-les-Dames, Quingey, Clerval, Saint-Vit, L’Isle-sur-le-Doubs, Morteau, and the communes of the Pays de Montbéliard region. The team is actively collaborating with local municipalities, Community Healthcare Structures (CPTS), and social care centers to identify suitable locations for vaccination clinics. These locations may include community halls and gymnasiums, minimizing the logistical requirements for setting up temporary vaccination sites.
Lagoutte-Verrier emphasized the adaptability of the program, stating, “We realize the need is greater and we want to reach the public who may encounter mobility problems.” The team is actively seeking partnerships to expand its reach and provide convenient vaccination access to as many residents of the Doubs as possible. The initiative represents a significant step towards improving public health equity within the department.
The launch of this mobile vaccination center comes at a time when vaccine hesitancy remains a concern globally, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Lagoutte-Verrier underscored the importance of vaccination as a cornerstone of preventative healthcare, stating, “We have forgotten some diseases because we hear less about them, but that doesn’t mean they no longer exist. We are seeing a resurgence of meningitis.”
The Doubs department, with its unique geographical and demographic characteristics, is demonstrating a proactive approach to addressing healthcare challenges. The mobile vaccination center, driven by a dedicated team and a commitment to accessibility, promises to play a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of its residents. Further updates on the center’s schedule and locations will be available through the AHS FC and local municipal channels.
Key Takeaways:
- The Doubs department has launched a mobile vaccination center to improve access for residents, particularly in rural areas.
- The service is operated by the AHS FC and funded by the ARS Bourgogne-Franche-Comté.
- Vaccinations offered include HPV and meningitis vaccines for school children, as well as a full range of recommended and mandatory vaccines for all ages.
- The team aims to vaccinate between 3,000 and 6,000 people annually.
If you are a resident of the Doubs department and have questions about the mobile vaccination service, please contact the AHS FC for more information. Share this article with your community to help spread awareness of this important public health initiative.