Brazil celebrates National Immunization Day, urges vaccine updates for all ages

On June 9, Brazil observed National Immunization Day, emphasizing that keeping vaccination records up to date is essential for preventing disease across the lifespan. Health officials highlighted the seasonal rise in respiratory illnesses such as RSV and influenza, urging people to seek vaccination at any health unit.

In the Federal District, coverage exceeded 90% for only three infant vaccines—BCG, rotavirus and the first hepatitis B dose—while other doses lagged: varicella at 67.2%, dengue first dose at 41.9% and second dose at 16%, and influenza below 40% among adults. The district health secretariat reported a 14.7% increase in vaccinations in May, reaching one million doses, with a total of 2.9 million administered last year, about 100 000 more than in 2024. Lely Guzman of the Pan‑American Health Organization warned that Brazil must not accept preventable deaths, and Dr. Fábio Argenta stressed that vaccines “stimulate the organism to recognize viruses and bacteria, helping prevent disease, complications and death.”