Guadalajara residents are seeking vaccinations in large numbers this week as Jalisco state confronts a significant measles outbreak. With over 1,800 confirmed cases – the highest national total as of February 2026 – health officials have launched a widespread vaccination campaign,establishing over 650 points of access across the state. The surge in demand prompted a mandatory mask requirement for students and staff in multiple municipalities beginning February 5,highlighting the growing public health concern.
Long lines formed at vaccination centers in Guadalajara, Mexico, this week as residents sought protection against a growing measles outbreak. The increased demand for vaccinations comes as health officials urge preventative measures to curb the spread of the highly contagious virus.
The vaccination module at Plaza Universidad in the city’s historic center saw significant turnout, with the queue extending several meters from the nearby light rail station. Similar high volumes of people were reported at the Hospitalito de Zapopan, though healthcare workers were able to maintain efficient service, according to those who attended.
Ricardo Gómez, a local office worker, explained he hadn’t previously considered getting vaccinated. “I don’t come into contact with children. My work is in an office, and we tend to be isolated, but seeing the news about how strong the outbreak was, and with the mandatory mask requirement, I thought it could be more serious. So I took the opportunity and got vaccinated,” he said. “It was very quick, less than five minutes.”
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Nurses at Plaza Universidad streamlined the process by creating three separate lines. Those who received their dose were monitored for potential adverse reactions, though most people moved quickly through the vaccination tent. Jazmín Gutiérrez said she decided to get vaccinated because of upcoming travel plans and uncertainty about her vaccination records.
EL INFORMADOR/O.GONZÁLEZ
“I took advantage of the fact that it’s here in the city center, it’s close to me, it’s free, and it’s fast. Children are the most vulnerable, so everyone in the house got vaccinated for my nieces and nephews, who are in second and third grade,” she explained. “I think it’s great that they’ve set up modules in central and accessible locations, so we can go when we get off work or school.”
At the Hospitalito de Zapopan, Margarita Hernández reported a similar surge in people seeking vaccination, but noted the process was quick and well-organized. “I wanted to come early because I’d heard there were a lot of people, and yes, there are many adults and young people, but everything was very fast and very well organized,” she said. “I think it’s irresponsible not to get vaccinated. It’s a very easy disease to prevent, and it had been eradicated, but there’s another outbreak because people simply stopped getting vaccinated.”
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According to the Jalisco Health Secretariat, all individuals under 49 years of age should be vaccinated against measles, with priority given to infants between six and 11 months and children aged one to four years. More than 650 vaccination points have been established throughout the state, including health centers, IMSS and ISSSTE facilities, light rail stations, and public and commercial centers. This widespread availability aims to maximize vaccination coverage and protect the population.
EL INFORMADOR/O.GONZÁLEZ
As a measure to contain the outbreak, the use of face masks became mandatory on February 5 for students, teachers, and administrative staff in basic education plants in the municipalities of Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, Guadalajara, Zapopan, El Salto, Tlajomulco, and Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, for a minimum period of 30 days.
As of 2026, Jalisco has confirmed more than 1,800 cases of measles, making it the region with the highest number of cases nationally. The outbreak has also led to the closure of 22 schools – three in Tlaquepaque and 20 classrooms in Guadalajara, Zapopan, Tonalá, Tala, Atotonilco, and Tomatlán have switched to virtual learning.
YC
