The Minister of Health emphasized that the measure ensures earlier and more effective coverage to strengthen child protection
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The Ministry of Health confirmed that starting in 2026, the second dose of the measles vaccine will be administered at 18 months, reducing exposure to the virus. The first dose provides 80% protection, but with the second dose, effectiveness reaches 97%, assured Mario Lugones. The minister emphasized that "the measles vaccine has been used for 60 years, has proven to be safe and effective."
The announcement was made at the meeting of the Federal Health Council (COFESA), which brings together all the heads of health departments in the country. With this measure, the goal is to increase coverage and protect children early against potential outbreaks. The strategy will allow for more efficient control of the virus and will strengthen prevention in children under two years old.
The change will be financed with savings achieved through the efficient purchase of the flu vaccine, avoiding unnecessary expenses. "This is a historic debt of the Argentine health system, which no other government wanted to address due to the investment it represented. This measure will be financed thanks to the efficient purchase of the flu vaccine.", remarked Mario Lugones. This way, public resources are optimized without compromising child health protection.
La primera dosis protege un 80%, pero con la segunda se alcanza el 97% de efectividad
Positive impact on child health coverage and control
With the earlier administration of the second dose, the window of opportunity for vaccination will be expanded and cohorts will overlap between 2021 and 2024, increasing annual demand by 300,000 doses. Periodic health check-ups will allow more children to be reached within the health system and will improve national coverage. Additionally, the measure strengthens the response to the circulation of the virus, aligning Argentina with countries that already administer the second dose earlier.
The optimized purchase of flu vaccines caused spending efficiency of between 5% and 38% in the unit price, freeing up resources for measles. "With planning and transparency, we've demonstrated that with well-managed resources, it's possible to improve protection for the children of our country," stated Mario Lugones. The progressive implementation is expected to reach millions of children, consolidating the prevention policy throughout the country.
Advancing the vaccination schedule will also allow for better monitoring of children and will ensure that they complete their schedules on time and in the proper manner. With two doses administered early, the risk of outbreaks will be significantly reduced and the most vulnerable will be protected. Argentina and Cuba were the countries in the region that took the longest to administer the second dose, and with this measure, the country aligns with regional prevention standards.
The initiative reaffirms the administration's commitment to public health and efficiency in management, prioritizing the protection of children. Coordination between the national government and provinces will ensure that implementation is homogeneous and effective in all jurisdictions. This way, the country moves toward a safer, better-planned health system capable of responding to future epidemiological emergencies.
