Vaccine Gaps Fuel Disease Outbreaks in Mexico

A decline in vaccination coverage has led to the resurgence of diseases such as whooping cough and polio in Mexico, while previously controlled illnesses like measles have seen new outbreaks, medical specialists warned during the launch of the 2025 National Vaccination Week.

Gaps in Immunization Fuel Disease Comeback

Dr. Martha Avilés, a pediatric infectious disease specialist, stated, “This vaccination gap is opening the door for diseases that were already controlled or eradicated in our country to reemerge. The clearest example today is whooping cough. In the first four months of 2025, we have recorded 696 cases, compared to just 60 during the same period in 2024.”

She emphasized that whooping cough can escalate rapidly, leading to severe hospitalizations or even fatalities in young children. Dr. Avilés urged vigilance and encouraged completing vaccination schedules during the nationwide campaign running from April 26 to May 3, which aims to immunize 1.8 million people.

Critical Vaccines for Children

The specialist highlighted that Mexico’s National Health Card includes up to 10 essential vaccines for children under nine years old. Among them is the hexavalent vaccine, which protects against six diseases—whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hepatitis B, and Haemophilus influenzae type B. The vaccine is administered at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, with a booster at 18 months.

Dr. Sarbelio Moreno, another pediatric infectious disease expert, stressed that any disruption in vaccination services results in a growing number of susceptible children. He noted a significant rise in preventable diseases in recent years.

Vaccination Coverage Falls Short of Herd Immunity

According to 2022 data from the National Center for Child and Adolescent Health (Censia), Mexico’s vaccination coverage for children under one year stands at 86%. However, achieving herd immunity requires at least 95% coverage.

Health Secretary David Kershenobich announced that the government’s goal for the 2025 National Vaccination Week is to reach 90% coverage, prioritizing vulnerable populations and combating misinformation.

ISSSTE Expands Access to Vaccines

Martí Batres, director general of the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE), confirmed that during the vaccination campaign, the institute will provide immunizations to anyone who requests them, regardless of whether they are beneficiaries of the program.

The initiative aims to accelerate the elimination of more than 30 transmissible and preventable diseases.