The Ministry of Health (SSA) reported that this Monday the vaccination against seasonal influenza began, with 35.2 million doses, and COVID-19, with 19.4 million, although the vaccines for this disease are almost half of the 40 million vaccines that were first announced.
He pointed out that the goal is to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death due to these diseases in a population that lives in a vulnerable situation, such as the elderly over 60 years of age, pregnant women, or those with diseases that put them in serious complications. and those between five and 59 years with risk comorbidities that predispose to serious complications, women and men from six to 59 months can only receive the seasonal influenza vaccine.
Although both diseases involve the same vulnerable population, there are almost 16 million fewer vaccines for inoculation against COVID-19. Abdala and Sputnik V vaccines will be implemented, as reported in a statement without specifying if more doses will be purchased.
He explained that from October 16, 2023, to March 31, 2024, the agency, in coordination with sector institutions, will conduct the National Vaccination Campaign against seasonal influenza and COVID-19 for the 2023–2024 winter season in unit medical in the country.
He mentioned that influenza is biologically protected against severe forms due to the four subtypes of the virus that circulate: two of type A and two of type B.
While the vaccination against COVID-19 is to reduce the risk of developing severe forms, the Abdala and Sputnik V vaccines have an optimal safety and efficacy profile for the protection of the population and have approval from the Federal Commission for the Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris).
He added that the target population to receive the vaccines can go to the vaccination centers, the nearest health unit of the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), IMSS-Wellbeing, the Institute of Security and Social Services of State Workers (Issst), units of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) or entities’ health services.
