Brazil launches expanded flu and pneumococcal vaccination campaigns

With a polar air mass expected to bring intense cold to much of Brazil from June 22‑26, health officials in Botucatu have opened influenza vaccination to the entire population aged six months and older. The campaign, already underway since early June, aims to reduce respiratory complications and hospitalisations during the winter months.

The Ministry of Health also began administering the 20‑valent pneumococcal vaccine (Pneumo 20) on June 20, starting with children under five in São Paulo. Minister Alexandre Padilha said the vaccine will later be offered to bedridden seniors and those with chronic lung disease, adding, "Além das crianças de até 5 anos, essa vacina vai estar disponível no SUS para os idosos acamados e idosos que têm pneumopatia crônica" and urging parents to "procure a sua unidade básica de saúde mais próxima." The rollout targets about two million children nationwide, with more than eight million doses already distributed to states and municipalities.