Background on the Situation
With a resurgence of measles outbreaks in various countries across the continent and some Mexican states, Health Secretary David Kershenobich announced that Mexico joined a two-month extraordinary period to contain the disease. This move comes after Canada lost its status as a measles-free country and the United States requested a similar extension to manage their outbreaks.
Vaccine Availability and Distribution
During Claudia Sheinbaum’s morning press conference, Kershenobich detailed that Mexico has 23.5 million measles vaccines available, enough to cover needs for the next two years.
- In 2025, 13.87 million doses were distributed.
- So far in 2026, 3.84 million doses have been distributed.
- Additionally, 10.8 million doses were acquired in 2024 and 27.365 million doses were purchased in 2025, ensuring a steady supply for the national immunization strategy.
Key Vaccination Moments and Prioritized Groups
Kershenobich Stalnikowitz outlined three crucial vaccination moments:
- Administering the vaccine to newborn girls and boys
- Providing the second dose
- Giving a third recovery dose to those previously unvaccinated
The prioritized groups include girls and boys aged one and 18 months, the rezagada (lagging) population aged 2 to 9 years, healthcare personnel, educators, agricultural laborers, and extraordinarily, a zero dose for children aged 6 to 11 months as a preventive measure during the outbreak.
Current Vaccination Efforts and Challenges
As of now, 11.85 million doses have been administered across various vaccination schemes, aiming for coverage above 95%, the necessary level to interrupt virus transmission. Kershenobich explained that the recent surge in Mexico and other American and European countries is linked to decreased vaccination coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He highlighted that Jalisco and Chiapas have the most significant outbreaks, followed by Michoacán and Guerrero. In Jalisco, the primary focus, first-dose coverage increased from 65% to 85%, second-dose coverage rose from 64% to 89%, and third-dose coverage went from 61% to 84%. The goal is to reach 95% in all stages.
“Remember that measles is much more contagious than COVID. One infected person could transmit the virus to four others; in measles, one infected individual can spread it to 15 or 16 people. Moreover, the virus can survive on surfaces for two hours, so transmission is possible even after leaving a contaminated area,” Kershenobich stated.
Public Call to Action
President Claudia Sheinbaum urged the population to get vaccinated, clarifying that no specific institutional affiliation is required to receive the vaccine.
Anyone can visit state health centers, IMSS, IMSS-Bienestar, or ISSSTE facilities in any of Mexico’s 32 states to receive free vaccines.
