Mexico and the United States have launched a historic Vaccination Campaign at the Otay Port of Entry, focusing on immunization against influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcus for girls, boys, and individuals over 60 years old. The initiative aims to ensure timely access to vaccination in one of the areas with the highest migration traffic globally.
The strategy seeks to prevent respiratory diseases and ensure equitable access to vaccines to protect vulnerable groups in this region of high cultural and migratory relevance. During the event, the general director of the National Center for Child and Adolescent Health (Censia), Daniel Aceves Villagrán, emphasized the importance of vaccination as a key strategy in public health.
Aceves Villagrán highlighted that for every dollar invested in vaccines, there is a return of 26 dollars, and globally, approximately 3.5 million deaths are prevented annually thanks to vaccination. By week 13 of the 2024-2025 Winter Vaccination Campaign, a total of 139,821 doses against COVID-19 and 585,818 doses against seasonal influenza have been administered in Baja California.
At the ceremony, the Deputy Secretary of Health for the state of Baja California, Néstor Saúl Hernández Mira, was present, highlighting the advancements in health instructed by Secretary of Health, David Kershenobich. He underscored that this campaign allows for the coordination of efforts beyond borders in areas with high population density.
The vaccination campaign took place at the nine border crossings between Baja California and the United States, benefiting people in transit. The representative of the PAHO/WHO, Adriano Tavares, also attended, stating that such activities contribute to the reduction of deaths in the North American region. From San Diego County, Elizabeth Hernández, Director of Public Health Services, and Alicia Espinoza, Head of Border Health, among other officials, were present.
