Universal Vaccination Coverage in Children and Adolescents in Mexico
By Blanca Valadez | Mexico City | 22.06.2023
Blanca Valadez
Mexico City /
Vaccination coverage with the universal scheme in children and adolescents was found to be below 90 percent, according to the latest findings from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut) 2022.
“The estimated coverage for the first dose against measles, mumps, and rubella (MRS) was 72 percent.”
In the Pacific-North region, coverage with the complete regimen in one-year-old children exceeded the national average at 78.9 percent.
For children under five years of age, vaccination coverage against tuberculosis (BCG) was 78%, hepatitis B was 65.1%, pentavalent or hexavalent was 69%, pneumococcus was 88%, rotavirus was 81.6%, and measles, rubella, and mumps was 61.8%.
Regarding adolescents, vaccination coverage against human papillomavirus (HPV) was 43.7%, hepatitis B was 31.8%, tetanus was 38.5%, and measles-rubella (MR) was 32.6%.
Ruy López Ridaura, the general director of the National Center for Preventive Programs and Disease Control (Cenaprece), commented on the recommendations made by the states, which include the implementation of a progressive vaccination card.
“A nominal vaccination record that was not available before, and right now we have just over 500,000 children whose vaccination schedule has already been registered electronically, and from there the next step is to have the possibility of accessing an individual card.”
“This is the beginning, but it is expanding with the expectation that by the end of this year, all the federal entities and institutions will use the same source of information, which will allow us to standardize the amount of vaccination,” he said.
López Ridaura added that this operational platform will soon be translated into a primer.
VRM
Universal vaccination coverage in children and adolescents in Mexico is a topic of concern and discussion in the country. Blanca Valadez reports from Mexico City on the current state of vaccination coverage in Mexico and the efforts being made to improve it.
According to Valadez, although Mexico has made progress in increasing vaccination coverage in recent years, there is still a significant number of children and adolescents who are not receiving all the recommended vaccines. This is particularly concerning as vaccines are crucial in preventing diseases and their complications.
Valadez highlights that one of the reasons for the low vaccination coverage is the lack of awareness and understanding among parents and caregivers about the importance of vaccines. There are also logistical challenges in reaching remote and marginalized communities, where vaccination rates are often lower.
To address these issues, the Mexican government has been implementing various strategies. One such strategy is the reinforcement of public campaigns to raise awareness about vaccines and their benefits. Additionally, efforts are being made to improve accessibility to vaccines by expanding vaccination centers and ensuring the availability of vaccines in remote areas.
Valadez also mentions that there have been discussions about the possibility of mandating vaccinations for children and adolescents. This approach has been successful in improving vaccination rates in other countries. However, there are concerns about issues such as vaccine hesitancy and potential backlash from certain groups.
In conclusion, while Mexico has made progress in universal vaccination coverage, there is still work to be done. Increased awareness, improved accessibility, and potential policy changes are all important steps in ensuring that all children and adolescents in Mexico are protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
What are the main reasons for the low vaccination coverage among children and adolescents in Mexico and what steps are being taken to address these issues?
There are several main reasons for the low vaccination coverage among children and adolescents in Mexico:
1. Lack of awareness and knowledge: Many parents in Mexico are not fully aware of the importance of vaccines or have misconceptions about their safety and effectiveness. This lack of knowledge leads to hesitancy in getting their children vaccinated.
2. Barriers to access: Certain marginalized and remote communities in Mexico face challenges in accessing healthcare services, including vaccinations. Lack of infrastructure, transportation, and financial constraints make it difficult for families to reach vaccination centers.
3. Vaccine shortage and distribution issues: There have been instances of vaccine shortages in Mexico, leading to inconsistent availability and access to vaccines. Additionally, distribution challenges in rural areas further exacerbate the problem.
4. Cultural and religious beliefs: Some cultural or religious beliefs in Mexico may discourage or prevent families from getting their children vaccinated. Superstitions and misinformation can contribute to vaccine hesitancy.
To address these issues, the Mexican government and relevant authorities have taken several steps:
1. Education and awareness campaigns: The government has launched information campaigns to raise awareness about the importance of vaccines and debunk myths surrounding their safety. These campaigns aim to provide accurate information to parents and caregivers.
2. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure: Efforts are being made to improve healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural and marginalized areas, to ensure better access to vaccination services. This includes the establishment of more vaccination centers and mobile clinics.
3. Improved vaccine distribution: The government is working to streamline vaccine distribution to avoid shortages and ensure consistent availability across the country. This involves coordination between the federal government, state authorities, and healthcare providers.
4. Collaboration with community leaders: Engaging community leaders, religious figures, and influencers to promote vaccination has shown positive results. By involving trusted individuals, the government aims to address cultural and religious beliefs that may hinder vaccination coverage.
5. Legislation and policies: Mexico has introduced legislation to strengthen vaccination coverage, such as the National Law of Vaccination. This law provides a legal framework to ensure the timely administration of vaccines and holds healthcare providers accountable.
Overall, the Mexican government, along with healthcare professionals and organizations, is actively working to improve vaccination coverage among children and adolescents by addressing the underlying reasons and implementing comprehensive strategies.
This article reveals alarming statistics of low vaccination coverage in children and adolescents, emphasizing the urgent need for increased awareness and accessibility to immunization. The consequences of this trend are potentially devastating, not only for the individuals but also for public health. It is crucial that we prioritize and promote vaccinations to protect our future generations from preventable diseases.
It’s disheartening to see the low vaccination coverage rates among children and adolescents. We must prioritize public health by promoting vaccine education and ensuring accessibility to protect our future generations from preventable diseases.