The Antofagasta region is facing a health alert as vaccination rates for the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) among infants have barely surpassed 65% of the target population, according to reports from biobiochile.cl.
Rodrigo Medina, the regional health authority (Seremi de Salud), warned of the severe risks facing infants under six months who have not received the dose. These babies are vulnerable to respiratory failure, cardiac complications, and even acute kidney injury.
Medina also noted that a lack of immunization significantly increases the long-term risk of developing asthma. With the current regional coverage sitting at 65.3%, a critical protection gap has emerged, leaving hundreds of infants at risk.
Regional coverage gaps
According to the report from biobiochile.cl, there are still 873 infants in the region awaiting vaccination. This backlog is primarily concentrated in Antofagasta, where 521 children have not yet been vaccinated, and in Calama, where 263 children are still pending.
In contrast, the commune of Tocopilla has exceeded its target, reaching a coverage rate of 108.6%. This disparity between municipalities highlights the urgent need to intensify vaccination campaigns in the most lagging areas.
The annual immunization campaign is scheduled to run from March 1 to September 30. However, there is a specific group that needs to visit health centers immediately.
Children born between October 1, 2025, and February 28, 2026, must complete their vaccination schedule, as they did not receive the vaccine at birth under the national plan. Authorities aim to replicate the national success of reducing RSV-related deaths to zero.
Health officials have been working to drastically reduce high-complexity hospitalizations across the country. To find vaccination sites, parents can check locations and hours on the official Ministry of Health website (www.minsap.cl) using the vaccination center locator.
