Mexico May Require COVID-19 Vaccinations for Minors

According to local media, a México state-based federal judge ordered Mexican health authorities to modify the national vaccination policy to include minors in the COVID-19 vaccination program.

Mexico News Today reported on October 12, 2021, the judge ruled that about 10 million people under 18 years of age must be immunized with the Pfizer (Comirnaty) mRNA vaccine.

The judge determined there was no impediment to an order applying to all youths because 'healthcare access is a universal human right.'

The Mexican government has until October 14, 2021, to comply with the order.

However, the federal Health Ministry could choose to challenge the injunction, a move that would prompt a review process that could take weeks.

Previously, Mexico's President López Obrador had maintained the government wouldn't vaccinate minors en masse with COVID-19 vaccines until international health authorities recommend it.

However, in September 2021, the Mexican federal government announced it would offer COVID-19 vaccines to more than 1 million children with disabilities and illnesses.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Mexico due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of disease transmission in the country.

The CDC says, 'Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms may be lower if you are fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized vaccine.'

'Before planning any international travel, please review the CDC's specific recommendations for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers.'

Moreover, visit the US Embassy's COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Mexico.

Additionally, the US Department of State issues Mexico state summaries and advisories. Some areas of Mexico have an increased risk of crime and kidnapping.