Brazil health authorities debunk false Pneumo 23 vaccine claims

Health authorities in Brazil are debunking false information circulating on social media regarding the Pneumo 23 vaccine. Claims suggesting the vaccine is available to all individuals over the age of 58 are incorrect.

In Belém, the Municipal Health Secretariat (Sesma) clarified that the vaccine is not offered through the municipal health network and noted that the manufacturer is discontinuing the product. The State Health Public Secretariat of Pará (Sespa) stated that the vaccine is specifically indicated for individuals over 60, indigenous peoples, transplant patients, and those with clinical conditions that increase vulnerability to pneumococcal infections, subject to evaluation by the Special Immunobiological Network (RIE).

Similarly, the Municipal Health Authority of Apucarana confirmed that the information is fake. Officials emphasized that vaccination through the Unified Health System (SUS) must follow the criteria established by the National Immunization Program (PNI), which considers age, clinical conditions, and specific technical norms. Both regions urge citizens to rely only on official institutional channels for vaccination updates.