The measure responds to an “unusual” increase in cases and the predominance of serogroup C.

On Thursday, Uruguay’s Ministry of Public Health (MSP) announced the expansion of its free meningococcal vaccination campaign to include 11- and 12-year-olds who have not previously received the vaccine.

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The measure responds to an “unusual” increase in cases and the predominance of serogroup C, which now accounts for 70% of infections. Although authorities ruled out an outbreak, they confirmed five recent deaths.

Health Minister Cristina Lustemberg expressed her condolences for the deaths of three children and two adults. Three of the deceased were unvaccinated, including a two-month-old baby, while two others had incomplete vaccination schedules.

The focus of the immunization campaign on the 11- and 12-year-old cohort—approximately 48,000 adolescents—is because this group acts as a reservoir for the microorganism. Achieving coverage above 90% would allow for herd immunity.

The United States dropped its recommendation for all children to be vaccinated against influenza, rotavirus, meningococcal disease, and hepatitis A, sparking warnings from public health experts https://t.co/u6Wq405AyY pic.twitter.com/coNQxxjjcJ

— Reuters (@Reuters) January 6, 2026

Director General of Health Laura Llambi announced that the campaign will be “preventive, proactive, and progressive.” The government has already begun purchasing 300,000 doses through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), with an investment of US$1.3 million.

Experts such as pediatrician and infectious disease specialist Alvaro Galiana pointed out that the strategy should be extended to more age groups, given that the disease is more common in children under five and adolescents.

Galiana noted that the reported cases are significant for the child population and called for a reevaluation of the strategy, extending vaccination with Bexsero and MenFive to all children and adolescents to reduce bacterial circulation and protect the community.

#WorldCup2026 | Our correspondent Mateo Grille reports from #Uruguay on how fans are preparing for their national team’s debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Enjoy! pic.twitter.com/qPZTuf8HXF

— teleSUR English (@telesurenglish) June 15, 2026

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Source: EFE

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