How to get vaccinated against covid-19, flu and pneumococcus before the winter season?

With the onset of low temperatures in Mexico, the Ministry of Health launched the national vaccination plan against the diseases typical of the season. The aim is to protect the population from diseases such as seasonal flu, covid-19 and pneumococcus.

Applying vaccines before temperatures drop strengthens individual and collective protection, especially among groups most prone to developing severe conditions. The current vaccination day will end on April 3, 2026, with the aim of applying more than 50 million doses across the country.

Why get vaccinated

Health Secretary David Kershenobich stressed that starting vaccination before winter arrives helps reduce the spread and complications of respiratory infections.

“Last year, by doing it early, we had a very positive effect against flu and covid. Doing it right at the beginning of the winter season mitigates the risk of these infections,” he said last October.

Who should be vaccinated

The priority groups to receive these vaccines are:

  • Girls and boys aged 6 months to 4 years and 11 months should be vaccinated against seasonal influenza. If you are at risk of comorbidities you must also be vaccinated against covid-19
  • People aged 5 to 59 with comorbidities at risk
  • pregnant people
  • healthcare personnel
  • Seniors aged 60 and over
  • Pneumococcal vaccination is recommended in adults over age 60 and in people with chronic diseases.

These sectors of the population are more vulnerable to serious respiratory infections, so vaccination is essential for their protection.

Where and how to get vaccinated

Vaccines against covid-19, influenza and pneumococcus are available free of charge in all units of the health sector: IMSS, IMSS-Bienestar, ISSSTE, Pemex, Secretariat of National Defense, Secretariat of the Navy and in state health services.

To get vaccinated, simply go to the nearest health facility, preferably with your identity document and national vaccination booklet. It is not necessary to make an appointment.

The UNAM vaccination center

The National Autonomous University of Mexico is preparing a vaccination day from November 10 to 14, from 9:00 to 15:00, next to the University’s Olympic Stadium, in Ciudad Universitaria. The vaccination will be offered to the public free of charge, even for those who are not part of the student community. The biologics that will be applied are: influenza, covid-19, pneumococcus and measles.

How many vaccines are available

During the winter season, three main organic products will be applied in Mexico:

  • 35.4 million doses against seasonal flu
  • 10.9 million against covid-19
  • 4.2 million against pneumococcus

The vaccine offered against influenza is produced for the second time in Mexico. On the other hand, the biologic against covid-19 has been authorized by the World Health Organization and has messenger RNA technology, health registration and the LP.8.1 variant, which guarantees greater effectiveness against current variants.

The application of vaccines is a preventive action that protects not only the person who receives it, but also his family and the community. The Ministry of Health reiterated that the vaccines are safe, effective and free. Furthermore, he reminded the population that being cradled in time prevents serious infections, hospitalizations and deaths during the cold months.

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