Brazil expands Pneumo 20 vaccine access for residents aged 85 and older

Municipalities in Brazil, including Limeira and Juiz de Fora, have begun administering the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Pneumo 20) to residents aged 85 and older. This rollout follows guidelines established by the Ministry of Health to expand protection against diseases caused by pneumococci, such as pneumonia, meningitis, otitis, and bloodstream infections.

The vaccination strategy aims to reduce complications, hospitalizations, and deaths, particularly as the risk of severe infection increases with age due to immunosenescence and comorbidities. In Limeira, the campaign targets approximately 3,049 residents in this age group, with doses available at Basic Health Units (UBSs).

In Juiz de Fora, immunization is available at UBSs and the Elderly Health Care Service (Sasi), with home visits offered for bedridden individuals. Vaccination protocols depend on previous immunization history: those who have never received a pneumococcal vaccine require a single dose of Pneumo 20, while those who previously received Pneumo 13 or 15 must wait at least two months, and those who received Pneumo 23 must wait at least one year.