Dominican Republic to maintain current vaccination schedule despite U.S. changes

Atallah explained that Dominican authorities are reviewing the U.S. changes but stressed that they will not affect the country’s vaccination program. Deputy Minister of Collective Health Eladio Pérez said vaccination policies must reflect each country’s epidemiological conditions and highlighted progress in controlling diseases such as measles and HPV-related illnesses.

Pérez also reported 19 leptospirosis deaths so far this year, although cases have declined following an outbreak linked to flooding in Puerto Plata. He urged the public to take precautions against contamination from rodents and stressed the importance of early diagnosis.

The officials made the statements during a prenatal care workshop, where Atallah also emphasized the importance of prevention to reduce maternal deaths.