Mendoza Province Initiates Legal Action Against Parents Over Unvaccinated Children Amidst Declining Immunization Rates

Legal Action Taken Against Non-Compliant Parents

Health authorities in Mendoza Province, Argentina, announced on Friday, December 13, 2025, that they are taking legal action against 15 parents for failing to comply with mandatory childhood vaccination schedules. This marks the first time a province in Argentina has pursued civil complaints under the national vaccination law, highlighting a growing concern over public health.

The legal proceedings are a direct response to a significant drop in national immunization rates and the re-emergence of diseases that were previously under control. Rodolfo Montero, Mendoza Provincial Health Minister, stated that this action is 'just the beginning,' indicating that more parents could face similar lawsuits in the coming days.

Mandatory Vaccination and Legal Framework

Vaccination is mandatory in Argentina, governed by National Law 27.491, which requires all residents to receive certain vaccines. The law prioritizes public health over individual preferences. In August, Mendoza introduced Resolution 2572, establishing procedures for identifying and taking action against parents who do not adhere to the National Immunization Schedule.

Under these regulations, health workers and teachers are mandated to report non-compliant parents. Families are then summoned to a civil court hearing where they receive information about the importance of vaccination and are given 30 days to ensure their children's immunizations are up to date.

Potential Penalties and Official Stance

Failure to comply within the stipulated timeframe can lead to various penalties, including:

• Community service
• Fines of up to AR$336,000 (approximately US$230)
• Short periods of detention, potentially up to 5 days

Despite the punitive measures, officials emphasize that the primary goal is not to punish but to protect children and public health. Iris Aguilar, head of Mendoza's immunizations department, clarified, 'We do not seek to punish, but rather to protect children.' Minister Montero echoed this sentiment, stating, 'The idea is not to persecute families and parents but to manage to immunize thousands of children whose vaccines are not up to date.'

Alarming Decline in Immunization Rates

Argentina has experienced a concerning decline in childhood vaccination rates. In 2024, less than half of children aged five and six received their essential vaccine doses. The overall vaccination rate nationwide stands at approximately 65 percent, but for critical diseases like measles, rubella, and mumps, coverage has plummeted to around 50 percent.

This drop has led to severe public health consequences. In 2025, Argentina recorded its first significant measles outbreak in decades, with 35 confirmed cases. Furthermore, hundreds of cases of whooping cough have been reported, resulting in the deaths of seven babies and toddlers, none of whom had been vaccinated. Experts suggest that the decline is largely due to complacency rather than ideological opposition to vaccines.