For parents across the globe, ensuring their newborns receive vital protection against serious diseases is a top concern. One crucial defense, especially for infants, is the BCG vaccine. This shot helps shield them from severe types of tuberculosis, including tuberculous meningitis.
On a recent Tuesday, during a press conference with Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum, reporters pressed Health Secretary David Kershenobich. They specifically asked him about the availability of the BCG vaccine within the country’s main health centers. Secretary Kershenobich acknowledged that Mexico was indeed experiencing a slight delay in getting this important vaccine to its newest citizens.
Getting Vital Shots: Supply Chain Hurdles
The Mexican Health Secretary explained that one reason for the low vaccine supply was a logistics problem. The main laboratory that produces the vaccine changed its manufacturing plant. This plant was previously located in India. This change caused shipping delays of up to two months. It affected orders and stock levels in countries like Australia, China, and Mexico. Mexico has seen a significant shortage of this vaccine in its key health facilities.
Despite the current shortage, the Secretary of Health noted that the situation was not critical. He mentioned that they presently hold about 3,400,000 doses. These doses will be delivered to health centers in the coming weeks.
He also tried to ease worries about the low vaccine stock. While it’s best to give the BCG vaccine to newborns, he stressed that children can still receive it up to four years of age.
Understanding the Supply Delays
The main challenge for Mexico and other nations in getting the BCG vaccine doses they need comes from outside factors. This is mostly tied to the vaccine manufacturer changing its production site.
Because of these global production chain issues, the Mexican Health Secretary confirmed that the current vaccine stock will cover the country’s needs for at least two years. This period should allow time for the problems with the main laboratory to be resolved.
Another key point Kershenobich made clear was that the plant’s new location means Mexican authorities must process a new health registration for the vaccine. This process is expected to take about four weeks.
Another Health Hurdle: The Measles Outbreak
Finally, the Mexican Health Secretary mentioned that the measles outbreak within the country is now under control. Authorities believe that if they keep up their current pace in handling cases, the disease will be completely gone from Mexico by November.
Kershenobich added that the main measles outbreak has been focused in the Chihuahua region. It saw a peak of 3,500 recorded cases and sadly led to 12 deaths due to the illness.