Prioritizing vaccination in small communities where infections are few makes little sense, say critics of the federal government.
Vaccinations in Yucatán for men and women over the age of 60 began last week, but only in the municipalities of Valladolid, Motul and Conkal.
“They should have started in cities which have a high rate of infection and human mobility due to work issues. It is of course smart that the elderly receive vaccines first, but those in small towns are at little risks compared to those in urban centers,” said social scientist Othón Baños Ramírez.
Earlier: Foreigners report not being able to get free COVID-19 vaccines
Several experts have joined Dr. Baños Ramírez in criticizing what they see as the politicization of the national vaccination strategy by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
“What the president is doing is clearly illegal and unethical; he wants to control every aspect of the vaccination policy and be seen as a savior,” said Jesús Zambrano, opposition leader of the Partido de la Revolución Democrática.
The president — who tested positive for COVID-19 in January — has also come under criticism for claiming without evidence that Mexico has already seen the worst effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and that things will be improving soon.
