The data show that the trend in increase in coqueluchealso known as whooping cough or pertussis, continues so far in 2026. After several years with lower circulation, cases began to increase during 2025 and continue to rise according to the National Epidemiological Bulletin report on the first 11 weeks of the year. Specialists warn that the decline in vaccination is the key factor and urge to reinforce inoculations, while complaints about vaccine shortages grow at the beginning of the cold season.
During 2025, 6,830 suspected cases were reported in Argentina of coqueluche, of which 1,206 were confirmed: It was the year with the highest number of cases and highest incidence rate since 2020. The increase was observed heterogeneously in different jurisdictions and registered 11 deaths, all in children under 2 years of age.
“The trend continues during 2026. As reflected in the national epidemiological bulletin, During the first 11 epidemiological weeks of the year, 824 suspected cases were reported, of which 252 were confirmed“, described Natalia Chillo, director of Preventive Medicine of the municipality of Tigre and responsible for the municipality’s expanded immunization program.
Ximena Juárez, pediatric infectious disease specialist at the Pedro Elizalde Hospital and member of the Board of Directors of the Argentine Society of Pediatric Infectology (SADIP), stated that “at the Elizalde Hospital we registered a significant increase in cases, some requiring hospitalization and it is noteworthy that a a large proportion of these children did not have the complete vaccination schedule for coqueluche.”
Low coverage
In Argentina the vaccine against coqueluche is included in the National Vaccination Calendar at 2, 4, 6, 15-18 months, 5 years, 11 years and from week 20 of pregnancy, to protect infants in their first months of life, since they are the most vulnerable group. Other groups included in the strategy are health personnel in contact with children under one year of age – who must receive a dose of acellular triple bacterial every five years – and cohabitants with premature newborns weighing less than 1,500 grams, who must receive a single dose of acellular triple bacterial.
The coverage of vaccines against cockroaches available in the national calendar in 2024 was greater than 80% for the first and second doses, but was lower after the third dose. With especially worrying percentages such as 46.4% in the five-year reinforcement. For this reason, health authorities urge to strengthen monitoring, early diagnosis, case notification and prevention measures, with special emphasis on vaccination.
“Cases are increasing due to falling vaccination coverage rates. The vaccine is the best prevention measure against Bordetella pertussis, which is the bacteria that causes this disease. That is why it is important to vaccinate children and complete the schedules so that they have adequate protection,” Juárez insisted.
Vaccines are missing
The Minister of Health of the province of Buenos Aires, Nicolás Kreplak, has been denouncing delays in the delivery of vaccines by the Nation, mainly in relation to the flu vaccine but also to other schedules. “Winter is coming and Without adequate coverage we can have major outbreaks and a strong overload of the health system“, he warned in reference to non-compliance with Law 27,491, which obliges the national State to guarantee the purchase, distribution and logistics of the calendar.
Misleading advertising.
Milei invites you to get vaccinated but she doesn’t have vaccines, that’s why she didn’t distribute them. All provinces are in the same situation.
Very good diffusion. Only now are there a lack of vaccines. We are closer. I know they can. pic.twitter.com/ualOxrwyZ2
— Nicolás Kreplak (@nkreplak) March 30, 2026
As stated El Diario.Arthere is similar claims from different provinces. In Jujuy they recognized that “the Nation does not send enough vaccines” and in La Pampa the director of Epidemiology, Ana Bertone, said that “there are health centers where we do not have availability.” In Chubut they reported a week ago that “there is a lack of anti-flu doses for adults.”
The data reported from the Province of Buenos Aires indicates that, three weeks after the start of the anti-flu campaign, the stock was enough for people over 65 years of age, but more than half of the children (56%) did not have their doses, and 22% of the vaccines intended for adults were received.
The shortages or stock problems They also occurred in respiratory syncytial virus, chickenpox, HPV and pediatric COVID.
❌Preventable diseases and infections are controlled with awareness and information. Health policies define the health of the population.🧵 pic.twitter.com/W2ZDjYd1wi
— CELS (@CELS_Argentina) April 1, 2026
A recent report from CELS warns about the impact of the sustained drop in vaccination in the country, with the reappearance of preventable diseases. The document states that today no vaccine reaches the 95% necessary to avoid outbreaks, while there are insufficient campaigns and ambiguous political messages on the subject, added to a critical social context that leaves preventive health in a relegated place if the State does not intervene forcefully.
