The Ministry of Health has urged parents and families to complete children's vaccination schedules before the 2026 school year begins, to prevent contagions in schools and homes. The National Vaccination Calendar recommends specific doses at ages 5 and 11. This call comes amid a rise in whooping cough cases in January 2026.
The Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of completing vaccination schedules at the start of the school year, noting that returning to classrooms increases exposure to transmissible diseases. "The return to the classroom facilitates viral circulation. More interaction, closer contact, and therefore greater exposure to transmissible diseases," officials from the health ministry stated.
In early 2026, cases of whooping cough or pertussis have risen significantly, more than doubling those in January 2025. This trend highlights the need for booster shots to reduce risks of severe cases.
The National Vaccination Calendar sets key doses at age 5 for children born in 2021: second dose of the cellular bacterial triple vaccine against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis; second dose of the triple viral vaccine against measles, rubella, and mumps; varicella booster; and an IPV dose against poliomyelitis.
For 11-year-olds, born in 2015, the schedule includes the acellular bacterial triple vaccine, a single dose of meningococcal vaccine, and immunization against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). In risk areas, the yellow fever vaccine is also indicated.
The call extends to teaching and non-teaching staff, recommending reviews such as the flu vaccine if applicable. All vaccines are free, mandatory, and available at public health centers without a medical order, backed by scientific safety standards.
Completing these schedules not only protects individuals but prevents outbreaks, eases hospital pressure, and strengthens preventive policies, according to authorities.