Argentina Faces vaccine Coverage Crisis
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Argentina is grappling with a critical decline in vaccination coverage. Across the country, the percentage of individuals receiving essential vaccines has fallen drastically short of the targeted 99%, raising concerns about the resurgence of preventable diseases.
In General Villegas, the situation mirrors the national trend. Silvina Riat, from the Epidemiology area of the Municipal Hospital, warns that the current rates are “not even close” to the intended goals, highlighting the urgent need for new strategies.
A Multifaceted Problem
Riat attributes the decline in coverage to a combination of factors. “It does not occur for a single cause, but is multi-causal,” she explains. A meaningful factor contributing to the problem is vaccine hesitancy among some parents. Riat emphasizes that vaccines are not just a right, but an obligation, protecting children from serious illnesses.
“They forget that the vaccine is a right and an obligation. Parents who do not vaccinate their children violate their right to health. legally, measures can be taken in this regard,” Riat cautions.
Responding to concerns about vaccine safety sparked by the COVID-19 vaccine rollout, Riat emphasizes the long history and rigorous testing of childhood vaccinations. “The mandatory ones are sacred.They avoid serious forms of illness and subsequent sequelae. They have no scientific discussion, they are mandatory. They have many years of history and are kept under very detailed study.”
Resurgence of Preventable Diseases
Consequently of the declining vaccination rates, argentina is witnessing alarming outbreaks of diseases once considered eradicated. Measles, such as, has reappeared, often with severe complications. “Some who had not been there for decades returned to society. But the most striking thing is that they occur with serious symptoms. In recent times, diagnoses with injuries like those we saw many years ago in books have been seen,” Riat reveals.
New Strategies to Boost Vaccination Rates
To address this public health crisis, General Villegas is adopting a proactive approach. The vaccination Center is focusing on “extra-mural activities,” bringing vaccines directly to the community through mobile vaccination clinics and educational campaigns in schools and public spaces.
“It is essential,because in them we have all the target populations,such as kindergarten,primary,secondary and adults through families,” says Riat.
With the goal of achieving 80% coverage initially, the Vaccination Center is determined to raise awareness about the vital importance of immunization.”We will continue working to reach 99%,” Riat concludes, underscoring the urgent need to protect the health of Argentina’s population.
## archyde Exclusive: Argentina’s Vaccine Crisis
**Today on Archyde, we’re diving into a pressing issue affecting Argentina’s public health – a meaningful downturn in vaccine coverage.** Joining us is Silvina Riat, an epidemiologist from the Municipal Hospital in General Villegas, who will shed light on the situation on the ground and the urgent need for action.
**welcome to Archyde, Silvina. Can you tell our viewers about the current state of vaccination coverage in Argentina?**
**Silvina Riat:** thank you for having me. Regrettably, the situation is worrisome. Across Argentina, we’re seeing a sharp decline in the percentage of individuals receiving essential vaccines. The target is 99% coverage,but we’re falling substantially short. This is true nationwide, and General Villegas, where I work, reflects this concerning trend.[[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/5/27/argentina-battles-health-and-economic-crises-as-covid-cases-soar)]
**That’s a stark reality. What are the potential consequences of this decline in vaccination rates?**
**Silvina riat:** The most immediate concern is the resurgence of preventable diseases. When vaccination coverage drops, we become vulnerable to outbreaks of illnesses like measles, polio, and whooping cough, which can have devastating consequences, especially for children.
**You mentioned that General Villegas mirrors the national trend. Can you elaborate on the situation there?**
**Silvina Riat:** The situation here is concerning. We are “not even close” to achieving the target vaccination rates. This highlights the urgent need for new strategies to reach those who are not getting vaccinated. [[1](https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2021/5/27/argentina-battles-health-and-economic-crises-as-covid-cases-soar)]
**What kind of strategies do you think would be most effective in reversing this trend?**
**Silvina riat:**
This requires a multi-pronged approach. we need to strengthen public health messaging and education campaigns to address vaccine hesitancy and misinformation. We also need to ensure easy access to vaccines, particularly in underserved communities. Mobile vaccination clinics and outreach programs could be crucial in reaching those who face barriers to accessing healthcare.
**Silvina, thank you for your insights and for shedding light on this critical issue. We hope your call for action resonates with our viewers and policymakers alike.**
**For Archyde, I’m Archys.**
