Mexico’s 2025-26 Winter Vaccine Drive Begins

Mexico — The Mexican Secretary of Health has initiated the National Vaccination Campaign for the 2025–2026 Winter Season, an essential strategy to protect millions of Mexicans against the increase in respiratory illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcus. The head of the agency, David Kershenobich, emphasized that early vaccination saves lives. "Prevention is our best tool to avoid serious complications. That is why we call on all vulnerable groups to get vaccinated as soon as possible," he stated during the announcement.

Children: First on the Vaccination List

The first priority group consists of girls and boys from six months to four years and 11 months old. They should receive the seasonal influenza vaccine, and in cases where chronic or immunological diseases exist, the COVID-19 vaccine is also recommended. Specialists from the National Center for the Health of Childhood and Adolescence (CeNSIA) explain that minors are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are still developing, which increases the risk of complications from high fever, pneumonia, or bronchitis.

Patients with Chronic Diseases: A Medical Priority

Another fundamental sector is people aged five to 59 who suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, asthma, hypertension, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, or immunosuppression. These patients should receive both the influenza vaccine and the updated COVID-19 vaccine, developed with messenger RNA technology and endorsed by the WHO. Immunization in this group helps reduce hospitalizations and serious respiratory complications that can be life-threatening.

Pregnant Women: Double Protection for Mother and Baby

The Secretary of Health also issued an urgent call to pregnant women, in any trimester of gestation, to get vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19. Medical evidence shows that these diseases can cause maternal complications, premature births, or affect fetal development. By getting vaccinated, mothers transfer protective antibodies to the baby, granting them immunity in their first months of life.

Older Adults: Three Essential Vaccines for Winter

People over 60 years of age are part of the group most vulnerable to respiratory infections, which is why they should receive three fundamental vaccines: influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcus. The pneumococcal vaccine is especially important because it prevents pneumonia and serious infections that affect the respiratory system. By receiving these three doses, the immune system is strengthened and the risks of hospitalization and mortality during the winter season are reduced.

Health Personnel: The Protectors Who Must Also Protect Themselves

Medical, nursing, paramedic, and hospital support staff are also included among the priority groups. Due to their constant exposure to sick patients, vaccination of health personnel not only protects the workers but also prevents outbreaks within medical institutions.

Where and When to Get Vaccinated

The campaign will run from October 13, 2025, to April 3, 2026. The vaccines will be available free of charge at units of IMSS, IMSS-Bienestar, ISSSTE, Pemex, Sedena, Semar, and state Health Secretariats. Authorities confirmed that the vaccines can be administered on the same day, as there is no medical contraindication for receiving influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcus vaccines simultaneously. In case of respiratory symptoms such as fever or cough, it is recommended to postpone vaccination until full recovery.

A Call for Prevention and Social Responsibility

David Kershenobich reiterated that vaccination is an act of collective solidarity. "When a person gets vaccinated, they not only protect themselves, but also those around them: their family, their coworkers, and their community," he emphasized. The 2025–2026 National Winter Vaccination Campaign aims to reduce severe cases of respiratory illnesses and strengthen the culture of prevention in Mexico. In a country where influenza and COVID-19 remain latent threats, getting vaccinated is a decision that can mark the difference between a healthy winter and a risky one.