Mexico's Vaccination Drive Stalls as People Shun Simultaneous Flu and COVID-19 Shots
Mexico's vaccination drive faces challenges as people hesitate to get flu and COVID-19 shots simultaneously, and some distrust certain COVID-19 vaccines. Despite high take-up rates for COVID-19 vaccines in previous years, the government's recommendation to combine influenza and COVID-19 boosters has been largely ignored.
Mexico's health authorities have been pushing for eligible individuals to receive both flu and COVID-19 shots, but only 20% have agreed to get the Russian Sputnik or Cuban Abdala COVID-19 boosters alongside their influenza vaccinations. This low uptake is attributed to people's reluctance to receive two vaccines simultaneously.
Distrust in the Russian and Cuban COVID-19 vaccines also plays a significant role. Many people are skeptical due to the vaccines' age and lack of extensive studies on their effectiveness against current COVID-19 variants. Meanwhile, Mexico has held up approval for Pfizer and Moderna boosters, which are designed to target the latest variants.
The government manages vaccine procurement and distribution, with no exclusive rights given to private companies. Mexico has shown support for Cuba by hiring Cuban doctors, purchasing COVID-19 vaccines and construction materials, and supplying oil. However, only 9.5% of eligible people have agreed to take the Russian and Cuban COVID-19 vaccines since the campaign began in mid-October.
Mexico's vaccination efforts face hurdles due to people's reluctance to combine vaccines and distrust in certain COVID-19 vaccines. With only a small percentage of eligible individuals accepting the Russian and Cuban COVID-19 vaccines, the government must address these concerns and consider approving other booster options to increase vaccination rates.
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