Meningococcus vaccination campaign in Uruguay

Uruguay has implemented a nationwide vaccination campaign to combat meningococcus following a period of increased cases and fatalities. In September 2026, the Ministry of Public Health launched an initiative targeting adolescents in secondary education centers, using the MenFive vaccine to protect against serogroups A, C, W, X, and Y.

By October 2026, the government expanded the free vaccination program to include children aged 2 to 5. This expansion follows reports of 33 confirmed cases and eight deaths during the year, representing a 24% mortality rate. While health officials noted that the epidemiological situation appeared to have stabilized by week 39, they emphasized the need for broader coverage, particularly among 6 to 8-year-olds.

On October 5, 2026, health authorities in Paysandú confirmed the first case of the year in a child aged five to six attending a local urban school. The patient is hospitalized and reportedly “evolving favorably without serious complications.”

In response, sanitary interventions were launched at Juana de Ibarbourou School (Escuela N.º 42), including the administration of antibiotic chemoprophylaxis to 15 classmates and family members. Authorities also plan to conduct preventive vaccination at the school, subject to parental authorization. To support access, the Ministry of Public Health has enabled children and adolescents aged two to 15 to receive the vaccine at all national vaccination centers without a prior appointment.