Mexico Launches Nationwide Measles Vaccination Campaign Amid Rising Cases

Mexico is undertaking a large-scale vaccination effort this weekend, February 21-22, 2026, to combat a surge in measles cases, particularly in the state of Chihuahua. The initiative, led by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), aims to rapidly increase immunity among vulnerable populations and prevent further outbreaks.

National Vaccination Drive Details

Under the slogan “Together, vaccinated, we draw the line at measles,” the IMSS will open hospitals, Family Medicine Units (UMF), social security centers, sports centers, and public esplanades as vaccination sites. The operation will run from 8:00 a.m. To 8:00 p.m. Both days.

The campaign focuses on two primary groups:

• Children: Girls and boys aged 6 months to 12 years will receive either their first dose or a booster dose of the measles vaccine.
• Adults in Priority States: Individuals aged 13 to 49 in 11 priority states who are not fully vaccinated, have never been vaccinated, or do not recall their vaccination status will also be eligible.

The vaccine is free, safe, and universally accessible, regardless of IMSS affiliation. Citizens can locate the nearest vaccination site using the interactive map available on the Ministry of Health’s official portal: dondemevacuno.salud.gob.mx.

Measles Outbreak in Mexico

The campaign comes as Mexico experiences a significant increase in measles cases. In 2025, Chihuahua became the epicenter of the measles outbreak in North America, reporting 3,778 confirmed cases and 5,286 probable cases as of August 13, 2025. This represents almost three times the number of cases reported across the entire United States during the same period. Chihuahua also accounted for 13 of the country’s 14 measles fatalities.

The outbreak was initially traced to a 9-year-old Mennonite child whose family had traveled to Gaines County, Texas. Mennonite communities, often characterized by vaccine hesitancy, have also been identified as hotspots in Canada. Mexico recorded only seven confirmed measles cases in 2024, but the 2025 tally exceeded 4,000.

Challenges to Mexico’s Vaccination Program

Recent analysis highlights systemic challenges within Mexico’s measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccination program, including inconsistencies in vaccine procurement, administration, and reported coverage rates. A study indicates that only 40% to 50% of Mennonites in Chihuahua are vaccinated. The seroprevalence findings, along with the 2025 measles outbreak, confirm significant gaps in immunity [PDF].

Mexico’s MMR vaccination schedule consists of two doses, aiming to sustain high and equitable coverage to prevent outbreaks and align with regional elimination goals [PMC12656442].

Key Takeaways

• Mexico is responding to a significant measles outbreak with a nationwide vaccination campaign.
• The campaign prioritizes children aged 6 months to 12 years and adults aged 13-49 in 11 priority states.
• Vaccination is free and accessible to all, regardless of IMSS affiliation.
• The outbreak highlights challenges in maintaining consistent vaccination coverage across all communities.