Mexico's Influenza Vaccination Drive Sees Rejection of Russian, Cuban COVID Boosters
Mexico's influenza vaccination drive this year has seen a majority of recipients reject government advice to combine Russian or Cuban COVID-19 boosters. This comes despite high COVID-19 vaccination rates in previous years.
Out of every five people getting influenza shots, four have declined the government's recommendation to also receive Russian Sputnik or Cuban Abdala COVID-19 boosters simultaneously. This decision is likely influenced by concerns about the age and lack of variant-specific studies for these vaccines. Mexico has stockpiled millions of doses of these vaccines, but only 9.5% of eligible individuals have agreed to take them since the vaccination campaign began in mid-October.
Meanwhile, Mexico has not yet approved Pfizer and Moderna boosters, which are designed to target currently circulating COVID variants. This may also contribute to the low uptake of the recommended boosters.
The Mexican government's effort to combine influenza and COVID-19 booster shots using Russian and Cuban vaccines has faced significant resistance from the public. This is despite high COVID-19 vaccination rates in previous years. The government may need to address public concerns and consider alternative booster options to improve uptake.
