Uruguay Halts Free Meningitis Vaccine Appointments Amid High Demand

Uruguay's Ministry of Public Health (MSP) has halted appointment bookings for the free MenFive meningococcal vaccine, just hours after its release, amid a surge in demand from concerned parents. The vaccine, which protects against serogroups A, C, W, X, and Y, was made available to adolescents aged 11 to 15, identified as the primary carriers of the disease.

The ministry had announced the opening of the appointment schedule on its website, but slots were quickly filled. The MSP stated that available slots were completed and more would be opened soon, while doses were distributed to some vaccination centers for immediate administration. However, as of Tuesday afternoon, the scheduling system was unavailable nationwide.

Laura Llambí, the General Director of Health, explained that the appointment system was designed for efficient vaccine use, as each vial can immunize up to five people, aiming to prevent waste. Despite the MSP's efforts, accessing the vaccine has proven difficult. Some vaccination centers reportedly have stock for 11-year-olds receiving other routine vaccines, but official information on availability is scarce.

Compounding the issue, obtaining alternative vaccines like Menactra or Bexsero privately is also challenging and expensive, with limited stock and rapid sell-outs reported by mutual health insurance providers. The difficulties have prompted a group of self-organized parents to send a letter to President Yamandú Orsi, urging universal and free access to the vaccine for all children and adolescents. The Minister of Public Health, Cristina Lustemberg, previously indicated plans to gradually extend MenFive immunization to individuals aged two to 18.

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an efficient use of vaccines, as each vial allows up to five people to be immunized. With this demand management, we seek to avoid waste.