He Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistance (MSPAS)through the epidemiologist Erica Gaitánconfirmed in an interview with the news program Guatevisión that Guatemala has measles vaccines available and announced the implementation of massive vaccination days starting in Mayin response to the increase in cases; In addition, it reported on the entry of new batches to expand coverage among the vulnerable and economically active population.
Health authorities They assured that the country has sufficient doses and anticipates the arrival of millions of additional vaccines in the coming weeks, as part of the strategy to contain the outbreak and reinforce immunization at the national level. Likewise, they indicated that they will develop vaccination days this weekend in zone 8 of Mixcospecifically in the Sankris Mall Shopping Center and MIX San Cristóbal Shopping Centerwhile other areas, such as northwestern region (Huehuetenango and Quiché)they will also have enabled points.
Availability and supply
Given the advance of the outbreak, the MSPAS epidemiologist explained that vaccination is already carried out at the national level in prioritized groups.
“Vaccination of targeted or vulnerable groups is being carried out at the national level… there is already dose 0 that is applied to babies between 6 and 11 months of age,” said Gaitán.
The Ministry of Health reported that there is currently available around 300 thousand doses for immediate application, while waiting for the strengthening of the inventory in the coming days. “The entry of 1 million vaccines is contemplated,” he added.
In addition, the authorities anticipate a progressive increase in supply in the coming months.
“We are expecting 1 million additional doses, and by the end of June or July 2 million more. We are at a total of 3 million just to address the first focused phase,” he explained.
Strategy
The MSPAS indicated that the response to the outbreak will include mass vaccination dayswith staggered planning to facilitate access to the population.
“We are going to launch a communication. The main objective is the business areas. The population between 15 and 39 years old is where we are going to focus the initial strategy,” he said.
The strategy also contemplates the installation of vaccination posts in shopping centers and high-traffic spacesas part of the coverage expansion.
“All this will have an appropriate schedule so that people are aware,” he added.
Expanded coverage
The authorities confirmed that the vaccination is aimed at people from 6 months to 49 yearsas part of an expanded strategy in response to the behavior of the outbreak.
The implementation of the “zero dose” allows to advance protection in babies between 6 and 11 months, considered one of the most vulnerable groups against measles. Likewise, the MSPAS indicated that the sessions will continue in different parts of the country to increase coverage, including urban areas and regions with a higher incidence.
Active outbreak and health response
The strengthening of vaccination occurs in the midst of a active measles outbreak in Guatemalawhich has led to intensifying prevention actions.
The Ministry of Health reiterated that immunization is the main tool to reduce infections, complications and mortalityin a context where the disease has a high transmission capacity.