The Mexican government will incorporate an updated vaccine from the pharmaceutical company Moderna for the first time as part of its 2025-2026 national winter vaccination campaign, in a strategy that includes exclusive distribution through the public health system.
This information was confirmed by Román Saglio, Moderna’s director of Commercial Alliances for Latin America, during a conference with specialized health media.
Saglio explained that the signed contract includes up to 10 million doses, although the transaction is not carried out directly with the pharmaceutical company, but rather through an exclusive distributor, as Moderna does not have a direct commercial presence in the country.
“We believe it is important to support the government’s decision to adopt updated vaccines and include all risk groups, including children from six months of age with comorbidities, those over 60 years of age, pregnant women, and healthcare personnel,” the representative commented.
The Moderna vaccine is adapted to the LP subvariant, one of the most widely circulating strains currently, according to epidemiologist Miguel Betancour, a guest at the event.
Unlike other vaccines, this updated version will not be available in pharmacies or the private sector, as the objective of the agreement is to strengthen the national free immunization strategy, focused on ensuring universal access for vulnerable groups.
“We are not participating in the private sector because vaccination in Mexico is offered to the entire population through the public sector,” Saglio emphasized.
The winter campaign will also include simultaneous administration of the influenza vaccine, following the guidelines of the Ministry of Health. “One shot in one arm for COVID, another for influenza. That’s how we’re protected,” explained Dr. Betancour.
Although Moderna had already sent vaccines to Mexico during the pandemic through donations from the United States government and the pharmaceutical company itself, this will be the first time the country has made a formal and massive purchase of its updated vaccine.
In 2021, Mexico received 3.5 million doses donated by the United States, and in 2022, another direct shipment from the company. However, until now, no large-scale procurement contract had been signed.
The first delivery has already been made, which will allow authorities to begin distribution before winter 2025, according to the schedule established by the Ministry of Health.
Saglio also assured that Moderna has sufficient logistical and production capacity to meet national and regional demand, with active plants in Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
“We have installed capacity for billions of doses. Supply to Mexico is guaranteed,” he stated.
The company reiterated that its current focus is not on competing in the private sector, but rather on aligning itself with Mexican public health policies and supporting universal coverage.
Source: mimorelia
