Jalisco Lifts Mask Mandate in Schools as Measles Vaccination Efforts Progress

Guadalajara, Jalisco – After a month of mandatory mask use in schools across seven municipalities within the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (AMG), Jalisco officials announced that the requirement will be lifted on March 9, 2026. The decision comes as vaccination coverage within the school community increases, offering greater protection against the ongoing measles outbreak.

Transition to Recommendation

While the mask mandate is being removed, the Jalisco Ministry of Health (SSJ) continues to recommend mask use for individuals who have not completed their measles vaccination schedule. Héctor Raúl Pérez Gómez, head of the SSJ, stated that the high progress in vaccination coverage within the school community allows for the removal of the mandatory requirement.

“As of March 9, 2026, the mandatory use of face masks for basic education communities… is no longer mandatory,” Gómez announced. “However, we consider it convenient to have at this time as a recommendation… the use of this input—the face mask—for those people who do not yet have a complete vaccination schedule against this disease.”

Vaccination Campaign Success

The mandatory mask policy is credited with providing a layer of protection while vaccination efforts were underway. During the recent vaccination campaign, over one million doses of the measles vaccine were administered. From 2025 to March 5, 2026, a total of 2,630,000 doses were administered across all 125 municipalities in Jalisco, with over two million doses given this year alone.

Vaccine Availability

Vaccines remain available for those who have not yet received them. Fixed and mobile vaccination modules operate from Monday to Sunday, with macro modules available on weekends. A macro-vaccination module at the Benito Juárez Auditorium will be active on March 7-8 and March 14-15, from 11:00 a.m. To 5:00 p.m., without requiring an appointment.

Continued Vigilance and Urgency

Health officials urge parents and guardians to ensure their children are fully vaccinated to protect them from measles, a potentially fatal disease. Vaccination is considered the primary and most effective tool against the virus. Epidemiological surveillance and evaluation of the situation will continue.

Measles Outbreak Context

Jalisco has been at the center of Mexico’s measles outbreak, with infections reported in 39 of the state’s 125 municipalities [Mexico News Daily]. As of February 6, 2026, Mexico had recorded 2,143 confirmed measles cases nationwide, with nearly 6,000 suspected cases [The Independent]. The outbreak has led to 15 elementary schools in Jalisco temporarily switching to remote learning [Mexico News Daily].

Vaccination centers are available throughout the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area, including locations in Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, and Tlajomulco de Zúñiga [GuadalajaraSecreta.com].