Panama distributes 150,000 vaccines amid regional measles surge

Panama's Ministry of Health (Minsa) received 150,000 doses of measles and rubella vaccines on Monday. This influx aims to strengthen national immunization coverage and maintain protection against outbreaks affecting several regional countries. The vaccines, received by the Expanded Program on Immunization (PAI) early Monday, began distribution to 15 health regions and national hospitals by midday.

Itzel de Hewitt, the PAI coordinator, stated that this new batch allows for the continuation of vaccination strategies implemented after Panama detected its first imported measles case on May 9. "Since May 9, when the first imported measles case was reported in our country, over 170,000 doses have been administered, and vaccination continues nationwide," she reported.

Panama has remained on alert for two years, following measles reports in countries like Peru and Ecuador. Hewitt highlighted that despite recent imported cases, the country has not registered autochthonous transmissions. She attributed this success to high vaccination coverage and preventive campaigns by health authorities. Currently, Panama has reported three imported measles cases with no evidence of local transmission. Authorities also noted optimal rubella vaccination coverage, which has helped prevent congenital conditions like blindness or deafness.

The Minsa reiterated its call to individuals planning to travel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup or to Central and South American destinations. Travelers are advised to check their vaccination schedules and receive the necessary doses before departing. Countries mentioned by health authorities with ongoing measles alerts include Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, and Brazil. Since 1979, Panama has administered over 11 million free measles vaccine doses as part of its public health strategy, emphasizing vaccination as the most effective tool against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.