No meningococcal vaccine slots in Montevideo and Canelones; 25 cases confirmed

Uruguay's Ministry of Public Health (MSP) is facing criticism for a persistent shortage of vaccine appointment slots for meningococcal disease, especially affecting young people aged nine to 15 in the metropolitan area and other parts of the country. Although 37,440 appointment slots were released on Monday, the majority were quickly claimed, and no further slots were made available on Tuesday.

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In Montevideo and Canelones, slots will continue to be opened.

The limited availability of the MenFive vaccine, which protects against serogroups A, C, W, X, and Y, is particularly acute in Montevideo and Canelones. While the northern region of the country has more available appointments, the MSP's online agenda shows minimal remaining slots in the western and eastern regions as well.

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During the week, we will announce when the schedule will open.

Minister of Public Health Cristina Lustemberg acknowledged the public's frustration, assuring that more appointment slots would be opened in Montevideo and Canelones. Laura Llambí, the Director General of Health, explained that the staggered release of appointments is due to the need for each vaccination center to report its capacity without disrupting routine vaccinations. She also noted that vaccination efforts are ongoing in schools.

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Why is it being done progressively? Because each institution in the country that has a vaccination center had to inform the MSP of the slots to undertake this vaccination campaign, with the resources it had, without neglecting routine vaccination.

Llambí confirmed an "unusual increase" in meningococcal cases, reporting 25 confirmed cases, two more than previously notified. While seven deaths had been reported previously, including four minors, she did not provide an updated fatality count. Despite the rise in cases, she emphasized that it does not represent a widespread outbreak or a major alarm.

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unusual increase