The Mexican government began the first National Vaccination Week of 2025 on Saturday, April 26, with the ambitious goal of immunizing nearly 2 million people against preventable diseases such as measles and pertussis. This initiative comes amid a concerning rise in cases of these diseases, with approximately 1,400 reported cases recorded so far this year.
Health Secretary David Kershenobich emphasized the campaign's importance, stating, "Our objective is that during this week we vaccinate 1.8 million people, reflecting our commitment that every child, adolescent, and adult who requires protection receives it in a timely, free, and accessible manner." This commitment is particularly critical as Mexico faces an accumulated total of 583 confirmed cases of measles, including one adult death, and 809 cases of pertussis, which have resulted in 48 fatalities, according to the latest Epidemiological Situation bulletin.
The vaccination campaign will administer 14 different vaccines for free across the country, targeting diseases such as measles, rubella, pertussis, hepatitis B, and human papillomavirus (HPV). This broad immunization effort is crucial, especially considering the alarming trends reported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). On April 24, PAHO warned of a significant increase in vaccine-preventable diseases across the continent, with 2,313 measles cases reported in six countries this year compared to only 215 during the same period last year, along with three deaths.
In the United States, a measles outbreak has already infected over 620 individuals and led to the deaths of two children in Texas, highlighting the urgent need for vaccination amidst rising vaccine skepticism. José Moya Medina, PAHO representative in Mexico, noted that countries in the region plan to administer an estimated 66 million vaccine doses during the current vaccination week, including 2.7 million doses against measles.
"Vaccines save lives, and there is sufficient evidence to assure that in the last 50 years, vaccines have prevented the deaths of 154 million people worldwide," Moya Medina stated at the launch event, which also featured remarks from Clara Brugada, head of government for Mexico City.
In Mexico, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on childhood immunization rates. In 2021, only 27.5% of one-year-old infants had a complete vaccination schedule, and only one-third of children aged one to two years received the four recommended vaccines, according to the Mexican Association of Pharmaceutical Research Industries (AMIIF).
The National Vaccination Week will run from April 26 to May 3, 2025, with various health initiatives taking place across the country. In Cajeme, Sonora, an intensive vaccination campaign is set to begin, with both fixed vaccination modules and house-to-house brigades operating throughout the week. This effort is particularly important as four people in Cajeme recently tested positive for measles after traveling to Ascensión, Chihuahua.
Municipal Health Director Jesús Espinoza noted an increase in people seeking vaccinations since the outbreak was reported, urging residents to participate actively in the vaccination campaign. He stated, "We will have a National Vaccination Week, so the call is to get vaccinated, to bring the little ones, and to visit IMSS Bienestar, health centers, and all areas where vaccines are available. There are places to get vaccinated; they just need to come forward. Throughout the week, teams will visit different locations, and hospitals will have extended hours."
While the vaccination primarily targets infants aged one year and 18 months, older children and adults who are unvaccinated are also encouraged to receive the vaccine. In addition to measles, the campaign will provide vaccinations for hepatitis, HPV in children, pneumococcal disease, and tetanus, all at no cost.
The Secretary of Health has reiterated the importance of vaccination, especially given the highly contagious nature of measles, which can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and encephalitis. The symptoms of measles typically include a rash that begins around the mouth and spreads across the body, accompanied by fever and, in some cases, cough.
As the National Vaccination Week unfolds, the Mexican government is also urging the public to be vigilant, particularly in light of a recent travel advisory issued due to the increasing number of measles cases in the United States and Canada. Presently, the U.S. reports 800 cases, primarily in Texas, New Mexico, Kansas, and Ohio, while Canada has documented 880 cases mainly in Ontario, Quebec, and Alberta.
In summary, the National Vaccination Week represents a critical effort by the Mexican government to combat the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases amid rising case numbers. With the goal of vaccinating nearly 2 million people, the initiative underscores the importance of vaccination in protecting public health and preventing future outbreaks.
