Masks No Longer Mandatory in Jalisco Schools Starting March 9 Due to High Vaccination Rates

As of Monday, March 9, 2026, the Jalisco Health Secretariat (SSJ) has lifted the mandatory mask requirement in schools across the state. The decision follows a month-long period of required mask use implemented as an additional precaution alongside vaccination efforts to protect the educational community in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area (AMG) from a recent increase in measles cases.

The move signals a shift in strategy, with the SSJ now recommending, rather than requiring, mask use for individuals who have not completed their measles vaccination schedule. Héctor Raúl Pérez Gómez, head of the SSJ, stated that high vaccination coverage within schools has made it possible to remove the mandatory requirement. “Starting March 9, 2026, the mandatory use of masks for basic education communities, a measure we dictated 30 days ago for the municipalities of San Pedro Tlaquepaque, Tonalá, Guadalajara, Zapopan, El Salto, Tlajomulco de Zúñiga and Ixtlahuacán de los Membrillos, is no longer mandatory,” he explained.

Measles Vaccination Efforts in Jalisco

The SSJ emphasized that the mandatory mask policy successfully provided a layer of protection for students, teachers and school staff even as vaccination efforts were underway. Over one million doses of the measles vaccine were administered during the past month, according to the Secretariat. Vaccination remains the primary defense against measles, a potentially serious and even fatal disease.

For those who remain unvaccinated, vaccines are available at fixed and mobile modules, open seven days a week, and at larger weekend macromodules. A macromodule will be located at the Benito Juárez Auditorium on March 7, 8, 14, and 15, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, without requiring an appointment. This aims to provide convenient access to the vaccine outside of school hours.

The decision to lift the mandate comes as Jalisco has significantly increased its vaccination rates. From 2025 through March 5, 2026, over 2.63 million doses of the measles vaccine have been administered across the state’s 125 municipalities, with over two million doses given this year alone. Despite this progress, the SSJ acknowledges that some children and students still require completion of their vaccination schedule and urges them to seek vaccination as soon as possible.

The SSJ will continue to monitor the epidemiological situation and evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccination campaign. Ongoing surveillance will help to identify any potential resurgence of measles and inform future public health measures.

The effectiveness of the mask mandate in reducing transmission is difficult to isolate from the impact of the vaccination campaign. Masks provide a physical barrier against respiratory droplets, which carry the measles virus, but vaccination provides longer-lasting immunity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) details the importance of both vaccination and, in certain circumstances, mask use in controlling measles outbreaks.

Understanding Measles and Vaccination

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis (brain swelling), and even death. Symptoms typically begin with a fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes, followed by a rash that spreads over the body. The virus is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly effective in preventing measles. Two doses of the MMR vaccine are recommended for all children and adults who have not previously had measles. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasizes that achieving and maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial for eliminating measles globally.

What This Change Means for Families

For families who have ensured their children are fully vaccinated, the lifting of the mask mandate represents a return to a more normal school environment. However, it’s important to remember that measles remains a threat, particularly for those who are unvaccinated or under-vaccinated. Parents and guardians are encouraged to check their children’s vaccination records and schedule appointments for any missing doses.

The SSJ’s recommendation to continue mask use for those not fully vaccinated is a prudent measure to provide an additional layer of protection. Masks can be particularly helpful in crowded indoor settings, where the risk of transmission is higher. The Jalisco Health Secretariat’s Facebook page provides further information about measles and vaccination resources.

Ongoing Surveillance and Future Guidance

The Jalisco Health Secretariat will continue to closely monitor measles cases and vaccination coverage rates throughout the state. This ongoing surveillance will inform any future adjustments to public health guidance. The effectiveness of the vaccination campaign will be carefully evaluated, and additional measures may be implemented if necessary to protect the community. The SSJ encourages residents to stay informed about the latest updates and recommendations by checking official public health channels.