The Mexican government is intensifying vaccination campaigns against measles, prioritizing the second dose for children at 18 months to control outbreaks.
In Chihuahua, where a measles outbreak began in February 2025, there has been a notable reduction in cases due to vaccination efforts. Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, the governor, announced a nationwide health strategy aimed at controlling the disease within the coming months. She emphasized that the majority of the population is already vaccinated, and an intensive campaign will be launched to ensure all children receive their vaccinations on schedule.
In response to the outbreak, health authorities in states like Jalisco and the State of Mexico have implemented mandatory mask-wearing in schools as a supplementary measure to prevent further spread. Despite these measures, government institutions have made it clear that the primary method for combating measles is through vaccination. The focus is particularly on ensuring that babies complete their vaccination schedules, highlighting the importance of the second dose around 18 months of age.
The government's proactive measures underscore the critical role of vaccination in safeguarding public health and preventing potentially serious outbreaks. By prioritizing the second dose for young children, authorities aim not only to protect individuals but also to achieve herd immunity and prevent the resurgence of diseases like measles which can have severe consequences for children.
