Tâmara Freire named finalist for SBIm Health Journalism Award

Agência Brasil reporter Tâmara Freire has been selected as a finalist for the VII SBIm Health Journalism Award. Her report, titled ‘Resistência às vacinas contra gripe e covid coloca gestantes em risco’ (Vaccine resistance against flu and covid puts pregnant women at risk), was recognized as one of the top three entries in the Internet Text category.

The report highlights alarming vaccination rates among pregnant women in Brazil. Data compiled by the Ministry of Health indicates that in 2025, only 55% of pregnant women were vaccinated against COVID-19, and 63% were immunized against influenza.

Between 2023 and early August 2026, at least 286 pregnant or postpartum women developed severe acute respiratory syndrome (SRAG) following influenza infection, resulting in 25 deaths, including seven this year. Freire noted that the report serves as an appeal to combat vaccine misinformation and protect maternal and infant health.