Complete Vaccination Schemes: Free Doses Urged
Health Officials Urge Vaccination Amid Measles Concerns
Table of Contents
Published: 2025-04-08
Health Minister Ricardo Cardozo is urging residents to complete their mandatory vaccination schedules, including influenza and COVID-19 vaccines for eligible groups. The call to action comes amid concerns about declining vaccination rates and a potential measles outbreak.
Importance of Vaccination Highlighted
“We must take advantage of this time of year, with schools reopening, to vaccinate and prevent diseases,” cardozo stated. “We need to emphasize the importance of vaccination, not only for children but also for the elderly. This is a critical issue. With a measles outbreak occurring, we have a vaccine to protect against this and other diseases.”
Cardozo expressed concern about a global trend of undervaluing vaccination, calling it ”a setback in civilization” that puts lives at risk. He emphasized the need for media collaboration to promote vaccination and stressed that parents and guardians have a “right and an obligation” to vaccinate children.
Measles: A Contagious Threat
Angelina Bobadilla, general director of Epidemiology, described measles as a highly contagious disease that can affect individuals of all ages, but poses a greater risk to children under 5 and those with malnutrition. Measles can led to severe respiratory complications and spreads through airborne droplets from the nose, mouth, or throat of an infected person. Vaccination is the primary means of prevention.
Bobadilla also noted an epidemiological alert for yellow fever in the americas, emphasizing that a single dose of the yellow fever vaccine provides lifetime protection.
Recommended Vaccinations
Marina Canteroro, Director of Immunization, outlined the following vaccination recommendations:
- Triple Viral (Measles, Rubella, Mumps): Children should recieve their first dose at 1 year old and a booster at 5 years old. Individuals 5 years and older should have documentation of two doses administered after their first birthday. People born before 1965 are generally considered immune due to likely exposure.
- Influenza: Recommended annually for health personnel; children aged 6-24 months (two doses, at least 4 weeks apart); pregnant individuals; postpartum individuals; adults over 65; and individuals aged 2-64 with documented medical conditions.
- Pneumococcal 13: Recommended for infants and children: first dose at 2 months, second dose at 4 months, and a booster at 12 months.
- Pneumococcal 20: A single dose is recommended for individuals aged 5-64 with chronic conditions, immunocompromise, cerebrospinal fluid fistula (CSF), or cochlear implants. A single dose is also recommended for those 65 and older. Hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients should receive three doses, 4 weeks apart, followed by a fourth dose 6 months after the third.
- COVID-19: A booster is recommended every 6 months for pregnant individuals, immunocompromised individuals, and those 50 years and older.An annual booster is advised for individuals aged 6 months to 49 years, even without comorbidities; those under 50 with non-immunosuppressive comorbidities (chronic diseases, obesity); health personnel; and strategic personnel.
Dengue Vaccine Contraindications
The dengue vaccine is not recommended for individuals with:
- Hypersensitivity to the active ingredients or any excipients in the vaccine.
- A history of hypersensitivity to a previous dose of the Qdenga vaccine.
- Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapies like chemotherapy or high doses of systemic corticosteroids.
- symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or asymptomatic HIV infection.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Vaccination Q&A: What You Need to Know
This article provides answers to common questions about vaccinations, based on the latest recommendations from health officials. It’s critically important to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
What’s the Latest News Regarding Vaccinations?
Health Minister Ricardo Cardozo is urging residents to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations, including influenza and COVID-19 boosters. This comes in response to declining vaccination rates and the potential for a measles outbreak.
why are Vaccinations So Important?
Vaccinations are crucial for protecting individuals and the community from preventable diseases. as stated by Minister cardozo, vaccinations prevent diseases and are especially important for children and the elderly. Undervaluing vaccinations is a “setback in civilization” and puts lives at risk.
What is Measles & Why is it a Concern?
Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through airborne droplets. While it can affect people of all ages, children under 5 and those with malnutrition are at a greater risk. It’s critically important to be vaccinated against measles, as it can lead to severe respiratory complications. Vaccination is the primary means of prevention.
What Vaccinations are Recommended?
The following vaccinations are recommended by Marina Canteroro, director of Immunization:
| Vaccine | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Triple Viral (Measles, Rubella, Mumps) | First dose at 1 year, booster at 5 years. Individuals 5+ should have proof of 2 doses after their first birthday. People born before 1965 are generally considered immune. |
| Influenza (Flu) | Yearly for: health personnel, children 6-24 months (two doses, 4 weeks apart), pregnant individuals, postpartum individuals, adults over 65, individuals 2-64 with medical conditions. |
| Pneumococcal 13 | Infants & children: first dose at 2 months,second dose at 4 months,booster at 12 months. |
| Pneumococcal 20 | Single dose for: individuals aged 5-64 with chronic conditions, immunocompromise, CSF fistula, or cochlear implants. Individuals 65 and older. HCT recipients: 3 doses 4 weeks apart, then a fourth dose 6 months after the third. |
| COVID-19 | Boosters every 6 months for: pregnant and immunocompromised individuals, people 50+. Annual booster for: individuals 6 months to 49 without comorbidities, under 50 with non-immunosuppressive comorbidities (chronic diseases, obesity); health personnel; and strategic personnel. |
Are There Any Contraindications for the Dengue Vaccine?
Yes, the dengue vaccine isn’t recommended for individuals with:
- Hypersensitivity to active ingredients or excipients.
- History of hypersensitivity to a previous dose of the Qdenga vaccine.
- Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency (including those on immunosuppressants).
- Symptomatic or asymptomatic HIV infection.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.