Mexico City Launches Massive Measles Vaccination Campaign Amid Rising Cases
Mexico City is undertaking an unprecedented public health initiative to combat a recent surge in measles cases, with a large-scale vaccination drive launched Friday, February 6th. The effort, spearheaded by Head of Government Clara Brugada Molina, aims to contain the spread of the virus and protect the city’s densely populated communities.
Addressing a Growing Public Health Concern
As of February 6th, Mexico City has recorded 166 confirmed cases of measles, representing an incidence rate of 1.79 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. According to officials, this figure, while concerning, allows for proactive intervention. “This allows us to act with opportunity and responsibility,” stated Brugada Molina during the launch event held in Chapultepec Forest. The Head of Government emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective strategy for preventing outbreaks and safeguarding public health, particularly in a highly mobile urban environment like the capital.
A Multi-Faceted Territorial Operation
The vaccination operation is a massive undertaking, involving 1,500 vaccinators organized into 500 brigades. These teams are comprised of personnel from various healthcare institutions, including IMSS Bienestar, IMSS, Issste, the local Health Secretariat, the Health University, and federal forces. Half of the brigades will operate at fixed vaccination points, while the remainder will conduct door-to-door outreach, systematically covering neighborhoods starting in the municipalities of Cuauhtémoc, Álvaro Obregón, and Gustavo A. Madero.
To maximize accessibility, the campaign will leverage a wide range of locations. These include 300 IMSS Bienestar health centers, 21 points with extended hours (9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.) across all 16 municipalities, 50 modules in high-traffic areas like the Zócalo, the Alameda, and local public markets, and 100 points within the public transportation system – encompassing Metro, Metrobús, RTP, and Electric Transport stations. Additional brigades will be deployed to high schools, truck centers, and the Supply Center.
Vaccination Rates and Public Health Recommendations
The capital’s Secretary of Health, Nadine Gasman Zylbermann, revealed that 81 percent of confirmed measles cases involve individuals who were not vaccinated. Since 2025, over 909,000 doses of the measles vaccine have been administered within the city. Officials consistently reiterate that the vaccine is free, safe, and readily available to all residents, urging individuals to verify their vaccination status, especially those under the age of 49.
Meanwhile, David Kershenobich Stalnikowitz, the Secretary of Health of the Mexican government, strongly encouraged all individuals between six months and 49 years of age to receive at least one dose of the measles vaccine, regardless of their recollection of previous vaccinations. He also recommended the use of face masks when experiencing respiratory symptoms as a preventative measure against contagion.
This comprehensive vaccination campaign underscores the commitment of Mexico City and the federal government to protect the population from the resurgence of this highly contagious disease.
