Ministry says that the measure is to contain serious cases and hospitalizations; As of April 21, only 22% of the target audience had been vaccinated
The Ministry of Health reported that flu vaccination will be expanded to all people over 6 months of age. The measure is to contain the most serious cases and hospitalizations due to the disease.
It will be up to States and municipalities to define the age group to be immunized based on the doses available in stock. The ministry recommends that priority be maintained for the groups most vulnerable to complications from the flu: pregnant women, women who have recently given birth, the elderly, children under five years of age and people with comorbidities or special clinical conditions.
“Vaccination is essential to protect the health of the population and prevent the spread, especially during the colder seasons, when the incidence of flu tends to increase”said minister Nísia Trindade, in a statement.
As of April 21, only 22% of the target audience had been vaccinated, according to a survey released by the ministry. 14.4 million doses were applied to a target population of 75.8 million people. The vaccination campaign began on March 25th.
The North Region is not included in the expansion of the target audience, as the campaign started in November 2023.
Increase in cases
Data from Fiocruz (Fundação Oswaldo Cruz) released last week shows an increase in cases related to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children up to two years old, exceeding deaths associated with covid-19 in the same age group.
With information from Agência Brasil.
