In the Americas the situation also generates great concern. The low vaccination coverage against measles and the presence of cases of this disease in the countries of the region have raised alarms; According to the Pan American Health Organization – PAHO, for 2022, only 10 countries presented vaccination coverage greater than 95% and during 2023, 72 confirmed cases of this disease were reported in Canada (12), Chile (1), and the United States (58). and, so far in 2024, 12 cases have been reported in the United States (9), Argentina (1), Brazil (1) and Peru (1) case, in addition to this, on February 15, the Peruvian Ministry of Health reported a girl for 10 months as a new case in the district of Surco, Lima, the Peruvian capital.
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, through the Expanded Immunization Program (PAI), does not stop its efforts so that the population is protected against vaccine-preventable diseases, which is why, since January 1, 2023, the national vaccination scheme, taking as a reference the scientific updates and recommendations of the National Commission for the Reverification of the Elimination of Measles, Rubella and Congenital Rubella Syndrome and the National Committee on Immunization Practices – CNPI, among others.
Additionally, during the month of November 2023, Colombia obtained the annual recertification of health status free of measles and rubella for the fourth consecutive year. This certification granted by PAHO was achieved thanks to the continuous compliance with the following factors: maintenance of the notification rate, quality epidemiological and laboratory surveillance activities, immediate response to contain imported outbreaks of these viruses and vaccination coverage.
Within the framework of the alert issued by PAHO due to the presence of imported cases of measles, this Ministry, through the PAI, recommends that families, caregivers and institutions that have contact with children review the vaccination schedule and guarantee that count on the dose and booster of the Triple Viral vaccine (measles, rubella and mumps), taking into account that the scheme with this biological changed:
- First dose of triple viral: after 12 months of age.
- Triple viral booster: 18 months. The booster dose that was previously applied at 5 years old is now applied from 18 months. All boys and girls aged 2 to 5 years should be vaccinated with the measles, rubella and mumps booster.
It is important to remember that the Expanded Immunization Program is one of the most complete in the region of the Americas, it includes 22 safe, free and effective vaccines, which protect the family and the community against more than 30 diseases. All EPI vaccines are available at more than 3,000 vaccination points throughout the national territory and can be accessed regardless of affiliation to the health system, nationality or immigration status.
Reviewing the vaccination card is the first step to protect our boys and girls, taking care of them is everyone’s responsibility.
2024-03-01 21:37:58
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