Background on the Situation in Mexico
As of July 7, there have been 5,173 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Mexico, according to Week 27 epidemiological data. Although the pandemic is no longer considered an international health emergency, the SARS-CoV-2 virus continues to circulate and cause infections, necessitating ongoing preventive measures, including vaccination.
Expert Opinion: Dr. Francisco Moreno Sánchez
Dr. Francisco Moreno Sánchez, head of the COVID-19 Clinic at Hospital ABC, emphasizes that the virus is here to stay and we must learn to coexist with it. He highlights the importance of continued preventive measures, especially vaccination:
“The virus isn’t going away, and we can’t ignore reality. People are still getting infected, so we need to maintain preventive measures, including vaccination,” Moreno Sánchez stressed.
He also points out that vaccines have prevented an estimated 20 million COVID-19 deaths worldwide, with over 13 billion doses administered so far. Moreno Sánchez, an infectologist, asserts that vaccines remain safe and effective, with far more benefits than risks.
Historically, Mexico has boasted one of the highest vaccination coverage rates in Latin America. However, recent years have seen a decline due to vaccine shortages and reduced access for regularly vaccinated individuals.
This decrease in vaccination rates has led to a resurgence of previously controlled diseases, such as measles and pertussis, along with ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks. There were 5,173 new cases in the week of July 7, a 205-case increase from the previous week’s 4,968 cases, as reported by Mexico’s Health Secretariat.
Moreno Sánchez explains that as time passes, the virus mutates further from its predecessors. Therefore, vaccination—especially for vulnerable groups like those over 60 with obesity, diabetes, hypertension, or heart/lung issues—is crucial.
Current Variants and Vaccine Availability
The currently circulating variants in Mexico are NB.1.8.1 and LP.8.1. Vaccines for these strains are expected to be available by the end of the year, targeting the 2025-2026 winter season. Current vaccines protect against the existing COVID-19 variants.
Mexico’s Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris) has approved updated Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, which safeguard against current COVID-19 variants. The cost in Mexico ranges from 750 to 800 pesos per dose, making them accessible for the Mexican population compared to the $100-$110 price tag in the United States.
Annual Vaccine Updates
Just like the influenza vaccine, which is updated yearly, the COVID-19 vaccine also requires periodic updates to protect against new variants.
Recommendations for Reducing Infection Risk
Dr. Moreno Sánchez advises maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding crowds, ensuring proper ventilation in enclosed spaces, and wearing masks to reduce the risk of infection. Even if one has received previous vaccine doses, it is essential to get updated doses, as they offer better protection against emerging variants.
Key Questions and Answers
- Why is vaccination still important despite the pandemic being no longer an international health emergency? Vaccination remains crucial as the virus continues to circulate, mutate, and cause infections.
- What are the current COVID-19 variants in Mexico, and when will their respective vaccines be available? The circulating variants are NB.1.8.1 and LP.8.1, with vaccines expected by the end of the year for the 2025-2026 winter season.
- How do I reduce my risk of contracting COVID-19? Follow recommendations such as wearing masks, maintaining good hand hygiene, avoiding crowds, and ensuring proper ventilation in enclosed spaces.
- Why is it important to get updated vaccine doses even if I’ve received previous ones? Updated doses offer better protection against emerging variants.
