Quintana Roo Expands Measles Vaccination Target to Over 376,000 Doses Amid Rising Cases

Chetumal, Quintana Roo — Health officials in Quintana Roo have expanded their measles vaccination target by 60% following a virtual meeting between state governors and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, aiming to administer 376,596 doses over the next 10 weeks.

The state government increased its goal from 236,000 doses as confirmed measles cases rose to 31 with an additional 110 suspected infections, according to data from the Special System for Epidemiological Surveillance of Febrile Exanthematous Diseases.

Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama said authorities reviewed progress and established agreements to strengthen prevention nationwide as part of the national measles vaccination strategy. “We will implement a special vaccination strategy in areas and communities where greater coverage is needed so no one is left behind,” she stated.

Between January 30 and February 16, health workers administered 50,752 doses across the state. Vaccination sites operate from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at health centers, ISSSTE facilities, and IMSS Bienestar clinics, though some locations report vaccine shortages by late morning.

Vaccination Challenges in Chetumal

In Chetumal, residents reported difficulties obtaining measles vaccines at the CLIDDA clinic operated by the Institute of Security and Social Services for State Workers (ISSSTE). Patients described being denied vaccination for various reasons including lack of vaccination records, not belonging to risk groups, or clinic closures despite long wait times.

Victoria Cervera, 32, said she waited three hours with her mother and 10-year-old son only to be denied vaccines because her son lacked his vaccination card and her 54-year-old mother “did not belong to the risk group.” She was also refused because she declined an influenza vaccine, which staff presented as a mandatory requirement for measles vaccination.

Other patients reported being required to sign liability waivers if they were uncertain about their children’s vaccination history. Nursing staff at the clinic said they could not answer questions but confirmed that presenting vaccination records and CURP identification are federal requirements.

School Protocols Not Implemented

Parents reported that despite instructions from Quintana Roo’s Education Department to implement health protocols and screening filters at school entrances, neither public nor private schools had established these measures by publication time.

Health authorities announced they will deploy mobile vaccination units to irregular settlements to expand coverage, while some parents have proposed immunization campaigns within schools since vaccines at existing sites are quickly depleted.