Measles Vaccine Shortage Hits Santa Cruz Amid Rising Cases

SANTA CRUZ, BOLIVIA – Health authorities in Santa Cruz are facing growing concerns as measles vaccine supplies have reportedly run out in the northern zone of the city. This shortage comes amidst an alarming increase in measles cases, which have now surpassed 60 in the department. UNITEL BOLIVIA reported from the San Carlos Health Center, where numerous families, many with children under the age of five, arrived seeking measles vaccinations. "We came hoping to get our children vaccinated against measles, but we were told there are no doses left," stated one concerned parent. Another added, "It's worrying, especially with the number of cases rising. We need these vaccines for our children's safety." According to the report, the health center is currently only administering influenza vaccines, leaving families unable to protect their children against measles. Authorities at the San Carlos Health Center have confirmed that they have requested new vaccine supplies, but the arrival date remains unknown. The situation has prompted calls from the community for immediate action from health authorities to ensure a swift replenishment of measles vaccine stocks across the affected health centers, aiming to curb the spread of the disease and protect the most vulnerable population.