Vaccination that protects against flu is expanded to the entire population over six months

In Brazil, only 26.78% of the target audience has already been vaccinated against the flu. In Paraíba, this number represents 32.89%. And in João Pessoa, 13.88% of people in the priority group took the dose of the vaccine, with the target being 90%. To contain serious cases and hospitalizations due to the disease, the Ministry of Health (MS) decided to bring forward the expansion of vaccination to the entire population over six months of age. In João Pessoa, prevention is carried out in all vaccination rooms in the municipal network and at the three mobile points.

“We also prioritize people who are part of the groups most vulnerable to complications from the flu, which are pregnant women, women who have recently given birth, the elderly, children under five years of age and people with comorbidities or special clinical conditions. Therefore, we will continue to actively search, calling and alerting these people to get vaccinated. Remembering that the flu can develop into pneumonia, meningitis, bronchiolitis, sinusitis and other respiratory diseases”, informed Fernando Virgolino, head of the Immunization Section of João Pessoa City Hall.

According to the epidemiological bulletin from the Ministry of Health, dated April 20, cases and deaths from Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) continue to increase across the country, given the seasonal period. Cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes caused by RSV in children under four years of age draw attention due to the magnitude and maintenance of growth. Furthermore, the continued circulation of Influenza A is already noticeable among the total number of SARS deaths reported in recent weeks.

“We reinforce the warning about the importance of maintaining an up-to-date vaccination schedule, especially with the campaign vaccine that protects against the flu and, for those people who work in care environments, clinical offices, outpatient clinics and hospitals, who provide assistance to people with symptoms of respiratory syndromes, who maintain the use of masks. The same recommendation is aimed at people who have flu-like symptoms”, warned the Immunization coordinator.

The National Influenza Vaccination Campaign began on March 18th and continues until May 31st. Influenza is an acute viral infection that affects the respiratory system, with high transmissibility, global distribution and a tendency to spread easily in seasonal epidemics. In the most serious cases, there is generally respiratory difficulty, requiring hospitalization, which can progress to severe acute respiratory syndrome (Srag) or even death. The vaccine promotes protection against three types of strains of the Influenza virus (A-H1N1, A-H3N2 and B).

Covid-19 and Influenza remain threats to public health, especially for unvaccinated people. Therefore, the Ministry of Health recommends taking advantage of the opportunity of the influenza vaccination campaign to update the vaccination status for covid-19 in eligible groups.

In 2023 – João Pessoa came in 1st place in the ranking among the capitals of the Northeast and 2nd place among the capitals of Brazil with 90.96% of Influenza vaccine doses applied to the population. This percentage represents the number of people who are part of the priority groups.

Documentation – For vaccination, it is necessary to present, in addition to the vaccination card, supporting documents for each group. Professionals who fall within the expansion of priority groups must present an identification document with a photo and proof (declaration, class council card or paycheck) of their connection with the company or institution where they work. People with chronic non-communicable diseases and other special clinical conditions must present a medical report.

Where to get vaccinated this Friday (3):

Family Health Units (USFs)

Campaign (Covid-19 and Influenza) and routine vaccines

Opening hours: 7am to 11am and 12pm to 4pm (Monday to Friday)

*exception: Alto do Céu II, Change of Life, Cidade Verde and Jardim Planalto.

Municipal Polyclinics and Municipal Immunization Center

Campaign (Covid-19 and Influenza) and routine vaccines

Opening hours: 8am to 4pm (Monday to Friday)

Home Center Ferreira Costa

Offering only the Influenza Campaign vaccine

Opening hours: 12pm to 9pm (Monday to Friday) 8am to 4pm (Saturday)

Shopping Sul