Declining Vaccination Coverage in Mexico: Tuberculosis Vaccination Rates Drop by 20% in Two Years

Vaccination Coverage Against Tuberculosis Drops in Mexico

According to the National Health and Nutrition Survey (Ensanut) 2020, vaccination coverage against tuberculosis in Mexico has significantly decreased. The survey reveals that only 78.5 percent of boys and girls between the ages of one and two received the tuberculosis vaccine, marking a 20 percentage point drop compared to the previous year’s coverage of 97.3 percent.

The overall coverage of full vaccination schedules for children and adolescents in Mexico is also below 80 percent. Specifically, only 26.6 percent of children up to two years of age have completed the recommended vaccination schedule, compared to 32.9 percent in 2018-2019.

The decline in tuberculosis vaccination coverage has been sustained over the years, with a nearly 10 percentage point drop from 2019 to 2021, followed by another 10-point decrease last year. The Ministry of Health reports that Mexico sees over 28,000 cases of tuberculosis annually, and shockingly, 30 percent of those infected are unaware of their condition.

In contrast to the global trend of decreasing tuberculosis incidence, Mexico is experiencing a higher prevalence of the disease. To address this concerning situation, the National Institute of Public Health proposes several recommendations, including achieving universal coverage of newborns with the bacillus Calmette Guérin (BCG) vaccine.

The Ensanut survey also highlights the low coverage rates of other vaccines. Only two out of the six vaccines included in the basic schedule for children under two years of age have coverage greater than 80 percent: rotavirus and pneumococcus. The coverage for tuberculosis is slightly higher than 70 percent, while the remaining vaccines fall below this figure.

Furthermore, the survey estimates that only 72 percent of minors received the first dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella (SRP) vaccine. For children up to five years of age, the coverage against tuberculosis (BCG) was 78 percent, hepatitis B was 65.1 percent, pentavalent or hexavalent was 69 percent, and measles, rubella, and mumps reached just 61.8 percent.

The vaccination rates for adolescents are also alarmingly low. The survey estimates that only 43.7 percent of adolescents were immunized against the human papillomavirus (HPV), a vaccine crucial for reducing the incidence of cervical cancer. Hepatitis B, tetanus, and measles-rubella (SR) vaccines also have low coverage rates among adolescents.

The Ensanut survey also sheds light on the COVID-19 vaccination situation in Mexico. It reveals that 11.2 percent of Mexicans, mostly young people and minors, have rejected any of the available COVID-19 vaccine options. Barriers to vaccination include inconvenient vaccination locations, long waiting times, work restrictions, disabilities, and difficulties in accessing vaccines.

On a positive note, the survey indicates that 98 percent of the population in Mexico has protective antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, either through vaccination or natural infection. However, it is concerning that 90 percent of the population has had a COVID-19 infection.

In addition to vaccination coverage, the Ensanut survey also highlights the increasing rates of overweight and obesity in Mexico. While there has been a slight change in the condition of obesity and overweight among adults, the growth rate among school-age children and adolescents remains high. Efforts to combat this issue include implementing taxes on soft drinks, labeling products and junk food, promoting breastfeeding, and increasing taxes on soft drinks.

The survey reveals that 7.7 percent of children under five years of age are overweight, while 41 percent of adolescents are affected by this condition. Among adults, 36.9 percent live with obesity, and 38.3 percent are overweight. Additionally, the Ensanut survey reveals that 1.3 million children in Mexico suffer from malnutrition, with chronic malnutrition or low height affecting 12.8 percent of minors.

The findings of the Ensanut survey highlight the urgent need to improve vaccination coverage, especially for tuberculosis, and address the growing issues of overweight, obesity, and malnutrition in Mexico.

How does the low coverage of the DTP and hepatitis B vaccines contribute to the spread of cervical cancer in Mexico?

Spread of cervical cancer. The coverage for the diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis (DTP) vaccine was 52.4 percent, while the hepatitis B vaccine reached just 38.7 percent of adolescents.

The decline in vaccination coverage in Mexico is a cause for concern, as it puts the population at risk of preventable diseases. The lack of awareness and accessibility to vaccines could have serious consequences for public health, as seen in the rising number of tuberculosis cases.

To address this issue, it is essential for the Mexican government to prioritize and invest in comprehensive immunization programs. This includes raising awareness about the importance of vaccinations, improving vaccine accessibility, and ensuring that healthcare providers are adequately trained to administer vaccines.

In addition, the government should collaborate with community leaders, schools, and healthcare facilities to promote vaccination campaigns and reach underserved populations. Efforts should be made to address vaccine hesitancy and debunk misinformation surrounding vaccines.

Furthermore, the Mexican government should consider implementing policies and initiatives to improve vaccine coverage rates, such as offering incentives to healthcare providers who meet vaccination targets and strengthening the vaccine supply chain to ensure a consistent and reliable availability of vaccines.

Vaccination coverage plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of diseases and protecting public health. It is imperative that Mexico takes immediate action to address the decline in vaccination coverage and ensure the well-being of its population.