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Brazil faces low childhood COVID-19 vaccination rates
Only 5% of young children in Brazil have completed the three-dose COVID-19 vaccination schedule, according to data from the National Immunization Program (PNI). This low coverage comes despite the virus causing over 1,100 hospitalizations for severe respiratory issues and 25 deaths among children and adolescents in 2026.
Eder Gatti, director of the PNI, attributes the low adherence to the circulation of misinformation and anti-vaccine discourse. He noted that while the country maintains sufficient vaccine stocks and supply contracts, the challenge lies in overcoming parental reluctance driven by false information.
Since 2024, the COVID-19 vaccine has been part of the routine childhood immunization calendar, with recommended doses at six, seven, and nine months of age. Health officials emphasize that vaccination is critical to preventing severe complications, such as Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome, which has historically caused significant morbidity and mortality in young populations.
Entities
Brazil · Eder Gatti · Ministry of Health · National Immunization Program · University of São Paulo
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Only 5% of young children in Brazil have completed the three-dose COVID-19 vaccination schedule. ofluminense.com.br · www.agoramt.com.br · grnews.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Brazil has sufficient vaccine stocks and contracts to ensure supply. ofluminense.com.br · www.agoramt.com.br · grnews.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] There were 25 deaths of children and adolescents due to COVID-19 in 2026. ofluminense.com.br · www.agoramt.com.br · grnews.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The routine schedule recommends doses at six, seven, and nine months of age. ofluminense.com.br · www.agoramt.com.br · grnews.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Eder Gatti attributes low vaccine adherence to the circulation of false information. ofluminense.com.br · www.agoramt.com.br · grnews.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] Of the 25 deaths, 15 occurred in children under two years old. ofluminense.com.br · www.agoramt.com.br · grnews.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The COVID-19 vaccine has been part of the routine childhood immunization calendar since 2024. ofluminense.com.br · www.agoramt.com.br · grnews.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] In 2026, more than 1,100 children under 14 were hospitalized for severe respiratory issues associated with COVID-19. ofluminense.com.br · www.agoramt.com.br · grnews.com.br