Colombia ups vaccination efforts post earthquake

As part of the health response in the areas affected by the earthquake of August 10, the Ministry of Health is coordinating the strengthening of vaccination efforts for personnel involved in search, rescue, recovery, and care for the affected population. Vaccination campaigns are also being carried out in temporary shelters and community kitchens to protect the health of those affected and prevent disease outbreaks.

These actions are part of the 2026 Vaccination Intensification Plan in Colombia, through which the Ministry seeks to achieve vaccination coverage equal to or greater than 95% with the biologicals of the Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI). Likewise, Colombia will participate in the 2026 Andean Vaccination Week at Borders, a regional initiative aimed at strengthening health protection and timely access to vaccination in border communities.

In addition, vaccination campaigns are underway in both the affected areas and the rest of the country, targeting the entire population, with an emphasis on children, adolescents, and at-risk groups. The main day was August 22, with community activities and expanded vaccination sites throughout the country. In the areas impacted by the earthquake, the strategy prioritizes temporary housing.

Vaccines: An interview with Dr Melvin Sanicas

In Colombia, vaccines are free and available throughout the country without any barriers. It is recommended to go to vaccination centers, especially those located in:

People at risk of acquiring measles: Prioritization of susceptible populations:

• Children aged 6 to 11 months for the application of the Zero Dose.

• Children under 11 years of age with incomplete vaccination schedules.

• Adolescents between 10 and 16 years old awaiting additional doses.

• Travelers to areas with reported cases of measles

• Contacts with suspected or confirmed cases of measles

• Health workers without documented vaccination history

People at risk of acquiring yellow fever: a single dose from 9 months of age; includes people over 60 years of age in high and very high risk areas.

Children under 6 years of age: complete the permanent vaccination schedule, with special emphasis on vaccines against rotavirus, pertussis, measles and yellow fever.

Children and adolescents aged 9 to 17 years: single-dose HPV vaccine.

Pregnant women: COVID-19 from week 12, influenza from week 14, Tdap from week 20 and respiratory syncytial virus vaccine between weeks 28 and 36.

People over 60 years of age and with risk factors: seasonal influenza and COVID-19 vaccine.

Health workers: seasonal influenza, measles-rubella and COVID-19.

These actions reaffirm the national government’s commitment to protecting the health and well-being of the entire population.

On 10 August 2026, a 7.4–7.5 earthquake struck the department of Chocó in Colombia, killing at least 331 people, injuring more than 4,600 others, leaving 240 confirmed missing and causing extensive damage across the country.