Polio vaccination coverage varies across Brazilian regions

On World Polio Day, October 24, health officials in Brazil highlighted the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the reintroduction of the poliovirus. While the country has not recorded endemic circulation of the wild virus since 1989, varying immunization levels across different states present a significant public health challenge.

In Palmas, the capital of Tocantins, vaccination coverage reached the 95% target for 2026. Conversely, the state of Goiás reported a coverage rate of 86.76% for children under one year old, falling short of the 95% goal set by the Ministry of Health. Some municipalities in Goiás recorded rates as low as 37%.

In São Paulo, the state has been free of the disease for 38 years, yet coverage remains below the national target, with rates around 88.74% for infants. Similarly, Maceió faces challenges with coverage for the third dose and first booster falling below recommended levels.

Health authorities emphasize that the vaccination schedule now exclusively utilizes the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (VIP), administered via injection, replacing the oral 'drops' method in routine schedules as of November 2024. The standard schedule includes doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, with boosters at 15 months and 4 years.