Mexico Health Secretary David Kershenobich reported that Mexico has a vaccine and treatment to address influenza A(H3N2) subclade K, a variant that has been called “Super Flu” and is currently circulating in Europe and the United States, which led to an alert from the World Health Organization (WHO).
In Mexico, only one case has been registered in an 80-year-old patient who received outpatient treatment to which she responded favorably.
“The vaccine we have in Mexico, the Mexinvac vaccine, which has been administered since last year, 2024, and 2025, is entirely produced in Mexico, and we have enough to cover the at-risk population. It is very important to remember that a prevention strategy is much better than simply focusing on treating the disease,” he added.
the Secretary of Health reiterated the call to reinforce vaccination as the main prevention strategy, in addition to maintaining permanent epidemiological surveillance.
“To date, our number of influenza cases is similar to that of 2014, when we were able to control it precisely with the vaccine. (...) Currently, we are at approximately 50 percent vaccination coverage of the population. And we urge everyone to go to vaccination centers to get vaccinated,” he emphasized.
Priority groups for winter vaccination:
Children from 6 months to 5 years old
People aged 60 and over
People with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, asthma, chronic kidney disease, or conditions that compromise the immune system
The Ministry of Health urges the public to visit vaccination centers, health units, and health clinics to complete their vaccination schedule. It also encourages the public to stay informed through official channels.
According to WHO, since August 2025, there has been a rapid increase of A(H3N2) J.2.4.1 alias K subclade viruses detected from several countries based on available genetic sequence data. These subclade K viruses have several changes from related A(H3N2) viruses. Current epidemiological data do not indicate an increase in disease severity, although this subclade marks a notable evolution in influenza A(H3N2) viruses. Early estimates suggest that the influenza vaccine continues to provide protection against hospital attendance in both children and adults, even though its effectiveness against clinical disease during the current season remains uncertain. Vaccines remain essential, especially for people at high risk of influenza complications and their care givers. Even if there are some genetic differences between the circulating influenza viruses and the strains included in the vaccines, the seasonal influenza vaccine may still provide protection against drifted viruses and the other virus strains included in the vaccine. Vaccination is still expected to protect against severe illness and remains one of the most effective public health measures.