Vaccination Day Continues in Mazatlán Until March 2025

Vaccination day in Mazatlán: A Vital Step for Community Health

Vaccination Day in mazatlán. | Photo: Abraham Domínguez

Mazatlán, Sinaloa is taking proactive steps to protect it’s residents’ health with a free vaccination campaign against influenza and COVID-19. Valeria Monserrat Ramos Cordero, a nurse with the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), emphasizes the meaning of this initiative.

“Our goal is to encourage everyone to get vaccinated,” Ramos Cordero explains. “We, as healthcare professionals, are providing the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. Its always recommended to recieve vaccinations at the beginning of the season to prevent respiratory diseases.”

This campaign signifies a significant commitment to public health, aiming to build a healthier and more resilient community in Mazatlán.

“Our objective as a campaign is to motivate the population to get vaccinated,” says Ramos Cordero.”We as health personnel bring the influenza and COVID-19 vaccine. As every year we recommend that you get vaccinated at the beginning of the season. We have to prevent respiratory diseases and it is always recommended that they get vaccinated at the beginning of the season.”

Protecting Mazatlán: A Conversation with Nurse Valeria Monserrat Ramos Cordero on the Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign

Vaccination Day in Mazatlán. | Photo: Abraham Domínguez

Mazatlán is gearing up for the winter season with a proactive approach to community health.A crucial campaign launched by the Mexican social Security Institute (IMSS) aims to protect residents from the ever-present threat of influenza and COVID-19. At the forefront of this crucial initiative is Nurse Valeria Monserrat Ramos Cordero, a dedicated health professional who spoke with Archyde about the campaign’s significance.

“The winter season naturally increases the risk of respiratory illnesses, including influenza and COVID-19,” Nurse Ramos Cordero explained. “Our campaign aims to mitigate these risks proactively by offering convenient access to vital vaccinations.”

Running from october 2023 to March 2025, the vaccination drive operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM. A dedicated module conveniently located outside a prominent department store across from the mazatlán Cathedral serves as a central point for residents to receive their vaccinations.

Nurse Ramos Cordero emphasizes the simplicity of accessing these life-saving vaccines: “The only requirement to get vaccinated is to present your voter ID card (INE) for registration. Although, you can also come with your national health card if you have it”.The response from Mazatlán residents has been overwhelmingly positive, with a steady stream of individuals taking advantage of this valuable health resource. But beyond this specific campaign,how can local health authorities continue to engage with residents and build trust in vaccination?

Nurse Ramos Cordero believes that open interaction and community engagement are key. “it’s critically important to continue providing clear and accurate details about vaccines, addressing any concerns or misconceptions,” she said. “Holding regular health fairs and workshops can also help to educate people and build trust.”

Mazatlán Launches Community Vaccination Campaign

Mazatlán is taking proactive steps to protect its residents’ health with a comprehensive vaccination campaign launched in October. Running through March 2025, the initiative aims to increase vaccination rates and promote a culture of preventive healthcare in the community.

The response from residents has been overwhelmingly positive. As one organizer shared, “We’ve seen a steady stream of individuals taking advantage of this valuable health resource. it’s great to see our community taking their health seriously and proactively protecting themselves and others.”

The vaccination drive operates Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM at a dedicated module located outside a prominent department store across from the Mazatlán cathedral. Residents can present their voter ID card (INE) to register, or they can also use their national health card.

Beyond ensuring easy access to vaccines, the organizers are also actively engaging with residents who may still have questions or concerns about vaccination.Their message is clear: “Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones from serious illnesses. It’s a swift, safe, and free procedure that can make a significant difference in our community’s overall health.We urge everyone to take advantage of this campaign and get vaccinated today.”

Organizers believe this initiative is a crucial step towards changing perceptions about vaccination and encouraging long-term participation.

“Absolutely. Every successful campaign like this not only helps improve our community’s health but also encourages more people to get vaccinated in the future. It’s a step towards fostering a culture of preventive healthcare in Mazatlán.”

What does Nurse Ramos Cordero highlight as the importance of offering vaccines at the beginning of the flu season?

[Archyde] Welcome, nurse Valeria Monserrat Ramos Cordero, to Archyde. We appreciate your time and the critical work you’re doing in Mazatlán.

[Nurse Ramos cordero] thank you for having me. I’m honored to contribute to this vital conversation about public health in our city.

[Archyde] Let’s dive in. can you tell us more about the influenza and COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Mazatlán and its significance for our community?

[Nurse Ramos Cordero] Certainly. the campaign, organized by the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS), targets the prevention of influenza and COVID-19. It’s a proactive approach to safeguarding the health of our mazatlán residents, especially during the winter season when respiratory illnesses tend to be most prevalent.

[Archyde] Why is it crucial to get vaccinated against these diseases, and why is the timing of the campaign so critically important?

[Nurse Ramos Cordero] The winter season naturally increases the risk of respiratory illnesses like influenza and COVID-19. By offering vaccines at the beginning of the season, we aim to protect our community proactively. vaccination not only helps prevent individuals from getting sick but also mitigates the spread of these diseases within our families and community.

[Archyde] Could you walk us through the details of the campaign – when, where, and how residents can access these vaccinations?

[Nurse ramos Cordero] the campaign runs every Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM, starting from October 2023 until March 2025. We have set up a convenient vaccination module outside a prominent department store across from the mazatlán Cathedral. Residents can simply walk in and receive their vaccinations free of charge. We offer both influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, ensuring accessibility and convenience for the public.

[Archyde] Among the various health measures recommended during the pandemic, why is vaccination considered one of the most impactful and effective?

[Nurse Ramos Cordero] Vaccination is a proven and powerful tool against infectious diseases like COVID-19 and the flu. It not only reduces the risk of individuals contracting these diseases but also significantly reduces the severity of symptoms and the likelihood of hospitalization or death. Moreover, vaccination helps build herd immunity, further protecting vulnerable individuals and slowing down the spread of these diseases within our community.

[Archyde] Are there any measures in place to encourage vaccination participation, especially among populations with hesitancy or accessibility challenges?

[Nurse Ramos Cordero] We strive to make the vaccination process as accessible as possible. Our mobile vaccination unit travels to different locations, targeting areas with lower vaccination rates and reaching out to vulnerable populations. We also engage in widespread awareness campaigns to address misinformation and hesitancy, emphasizing the safety and effectiveness of vaccines. Additionally, we provide vaccination records to those who need them for travel or other purposes.

[Archyde] As the world adapts to endemic COVID, how do you see the role of vaccination evolving in Mazatlán and globally?

[Nurse Ramos Cordero] As we transition to life with COVID, regular vaccination will continue to play a crucial role in protecting individual and public health. We anticipate annual COVID-19 vaccinations to become a routine, similar to the flu shot. Continuous updating of COVID-19 vaccines to match circulating variants will also be essential. Moreover, vaccine growth for other infectious diseases will remain a priority to ensure the health and well-being of our communities.

[Archyde] Nurse ramos Cordero, thank you for your invaluable insights.We’re grateful for your commitment to Mazatlán’s health and safety. Any final words for our readers?

[Nurse Ramos Cordero] Thank you.I would like to remind everyone that getting vaccinated is not just a personal choice but a community responsibility. By protecting ourselves, we protect our loved ones and our broader community. Let’s all do our part to build a healthier, more resilient Mazatlán.

[Archyde] Thank you, Nurse ramos Cordero. Let’s stay vigilant and prioritize our collective health.

[Nurse Ramos Cordero] Absolutely. Stay safe and healthy, everyone.