• SHORTAGES: Parents across Mexico are reporting shortages of the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine for children in public clinics in states like Nuevo León, Puebla, Jalisco, Guerrero and Mexico City while authorities acknowledge they are waiting for pending supplies.
• IMSS: Specifically, shortages are being reported at clinics affiliated with Mexico’s Social Security Institute (IMMS) -the public healthcare system for formally employed workers- but parents say the MMR vaccine -licensed back in 1971- cannot be found in private doctors offices.
• SUPPLIES: According to Hugo López Gatell, Mexico’s undersecretary of health, said that the Mexican agency in charge of drug safety (COFEPRIS) had stopped the distribution of 1.4 million MMR vaccine dosages back in October. The federal government argues they are safe.
• PARENTS: Interviewed by Reforma newspaper, Christian Hernández -who’s one year old daughter is required to receive the MMR- said that he had been unsuccessful in finding any supplies at two IMSS local clinics -number 10 and number 15- in Mexico City.
