Measles Vaccinations Surge 900% in Quintana Roo as School Year Approaches

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Measles vaccinations in Quintana Roo have increased by as much as 900 percent over the past two weeks, as parents rush to immunize their children before the new school year, health officials said.

Vaccine applications at hospitals and family medicine units of the IMSS (Mexican Social Security Institute) rose from an average of two to 20 doses per day, according to health workers. The surge has been most pronounced during morning hours, when parents bring their children in to complete their vaccination schedules.

The increase comes as Mexico’s federal Health Ministry reported nine new measles cases in Quintana Roo. The state has now recorded 334 infections as of Aug. 18, up from 325 on Aug. 13, according to the latest federal report. Most of those affected have been men, according to the National Epidemiological Surveillance System.

Parents said they used the summer break to update their children’s immunization records. “My family wants to start the new school year with all required doses, especially the measles vaccine,” said Anahí Hernández, a parent.

The state’s immunization campaign aims to administer 376,596 doses, though progress has not yet been announced. Two weeks ago, state health authorities urged parents and caregivers to have children between 6 months and 12 years old — a priority group in the national immunization strategy — checked and vaccinated before classes resume.

The recommendation is especially important now that children will return to classrooms, where they will share enclosed spaces with larger groups of people. To help families find vaccination sites, the Health Ministry offers the “¿Dónde me vacuno?” online platform, which shows the nearest health center or vaccination module.

IMSS staff reiterated that vaccines are available and free, and called on families to visit medical units to complete immunization schedules before the school year begins.