Mexico has launched a new online platform, ¿Dónde me vacuno? (Where do I receive vaccinated?), to help citizens locate over 21,000 vaccination centers across the country offering measles vaccines. The initiative is part of an intensive campaign to control a measles outbreak that began last year, and comes as the country reports a significant number of confirmed cases. This effort highlights the ongoing global challenge of maintaining measles elimination status.
Ramiro López Elizalde, Undersecretary of Prevention and Health Promotion, reiterated that vaccination remains the most effective way to slow the spread of the virus. “This strategy is endorsed in Mexico and around the world by experts in the field,” he stated. The platform’s launch underscores the importance of accessible vaccination resources in containing infectious disease outbreaks.
According to López Elizalde, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are providing technical support to federal and state authorities to strengthen ongoing efforts and prevent the country from losing its measles-free status. The collaboration with international health organizations is crucial for maintaining public health security.
López Elizalde reported that Mexico has 28 million doses of measles vaccine available, in addition to the 14.4 million doses administered between 2025 and the present date. “To put that in perspective, in a normal year, without an outbreak, between 5 and 6 million measles vaccines were administered. Today, we have enough biologicals to protect the population,” he affirmed.
The availability of vaccines is a key component of the public health strategy, but not the only one. The new digital platform aims to provide timely information and facilitate access to vaccination sites.
How to Find Vaccination Centers
The tool features an interactive map available on both web and mobile versions. No registration is required. Users simply select their state, municipality, or borough, the type of vaccine (single or triple viral), and the age of the person receiving the dose.
The system then displays a list of medical facilities that meet the selected criteria. According to López Elizalde, the information is continuously updated with reports from the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS), the Institute of Security and Social Services for Workers (ISSSTE), IMSS Bienestar, and state health secretariats.
Selecting an option displays the exact location of the center on the map, along with details such as address, hours of operation, and vaccine availability.
The federal government has also established a toll-free helpline, 079, available 24/7, to provide personalized guidance on locating the nearest vaccination point.
Screenshot of the ¿Dónde me vacuno? platform enabled by the Mexican government to contain the measles outbreak.Courtesy of the Mexican Ministry of Health
Vaccine Types by Age
The health system offers two vaccines against measles, with application depending on age and individual health status:
- Triple viral (SRP): protects against measles, rubella, and mumps. A first dose is administered at 12 months and a booster at 6 years. Given the current outbreak, a “zero dose” is also being promoted for children between 6 and 12 months, who are considered a vulnerable group.
- Double viral (SR): protects against measles and rubella. It is administered from age 10 and is recommended for those who were not immunized or did not complete the schedule with the second dose of the triple viral vaccine.
When Not to Vaccinate
The Ministry of Health states that there are situations where the vaccine is not recommended:
- A severe allergic reaction to any component of the vaccine.
- Pregnancy.
- Moderate or severe illness, with or without fever.
- Congenital immunodeficiency or AIDS. People with HIV without symptoms can be vaccinated.
- Receiving treatments that suppress the immune system, such as corticosteroids, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.
- Cancer; in these cases, the appropriate time for application should be consulted.
- Having received a whole blood transfusion, plasma, or gammaglobulin; immunization should be postponed for three months.
