Child vaccinations in Mexico is one of the most requested topics we receive.
Mexico has one of the most comprehensive vaccination schemes in all of Latin America and has mandatory vaccination requirements, as they’re considered a universal right.
Very different than many of us are used to in the US.
Here’s what you need to know about child vaccinations in Mexico for expats.
Vaccination Schedule for Children in Mexico
Below is a list of mandatory vaccines for all children in Mexico to attend school.
There are exceptions to this such as medical exemptions (allergies, immune system disorders), religious objections, and foreign visitors.
Birth
- BCG (Tuberculosis)
- Hepatitis B (1st dose)
2 Months
- Pentavalente (DPT, Hib, Polio)
- Rotavirus (1st dose)
- Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV13, 1st dose)
- Hepatitis B (2nd dose)
4 Months
- Pentavalente (2nd dose)
- Rotavirus (2nd dose)
- PCV13 (2nd dose)
6 Months
- Pentavalente (3rd dose)
- Influenza (Seasonal, annual vaccination recommended starting at 6 months)
12 Months
- MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)
- PCV13 (3rd dose)
- Varicella (Chickenpox)
- Hepatitis A (1st dose)
18 Months
- Pentavalente (4th dose/Booster)
- DPT Booster
- Hepatitis A (2nd dose)
4 Years
- DPT Booster
6 Years
- DPT Booster
- SRP (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) Booster
12 Years
- Tdap (protects against Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Whooping Cough)
- VPH (Human Papillomavirus, 2 doses)
- Influenza (Seasonal, annual vaccination)
What Is the Cartilla Nacional de Salud?
When your child is first vaccinated, you’re given a booklet called the Cartilla Nacional de Salud.
Basically, it’s used to keep track of your child’s vaccination schedule, milestones, and general information about your child’s height and weight.
Be sure to bring the booklet for each vaccination to make sure it is correctly updated for each treatment.
It’s not necessary to bring the booklet to every doctor’s visit, but they will want to periodically see it to make sure your child’s vaccinations are up to date.Vaccination Requirements for School Enrollment in Mexico
There are no additional child vaccine requirements or recommendations for children moving from a foreign country – beyond the mandatory vaccination requirements.
However, vaccines are mandatory for children in Mexico in order to go to school.
While there is no actual law or rule that schools must request the Cartilla Nacional de Salud, many schools, public and private, do request it during enrollment.
To make sure your child is able to attend school in Mexico, talk to your Mexican pediatrician about what vaccines your child has from the US, Canada, or your passport country to determine if anything more is needed.
Your doctor in Mexico will help you adapt your child’s vaccination schedule based on their medical history and the national scheme.
Be sure to contact the school of interest for their enrollment vaccine requirements.
Vaccination Coverage for Expats in Mexico
Vaccinations in general are policy exclusions, but some plans do cover vaccines for minors based on the national requirements.
Vaccinations are provided to the public for free in Mexico for nationals and for expats with a temporary or permanent residency.
But some expat parents prefer to have their pediatricians vax the kids rather than the free centers.
Should you go this route, vaccines are NOT free.
They are fairly expensive, and may not be readily available because vaccines are prioritized for public health centers.
Where to Get Vaccinations for Children in Mexico
Again, all vaccinations are free to the public in Mexico.
You can get them at all the public health clinics (Centros de Salud), the IMSS and ISSSTE clinics, and at private doctors’ offices.
IMSS and ISSSTE clinics are typically only for Mexican nationals, but expats with a temporary or permanent residency are also able to use these clinics.
Some people prefer their pediatrician to administer the vaccinations.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay for them and the doctor might not have access to all vaccines as they are prioritized to the public health centers.
