Brazil authorizes purchase of 20,000 mpox vaccine doses

The Brazilian Ministry of Health has authorized the acquisition of up to 20,000 mpox vaccine doses to reinforce the strategic stocks of the Unified Health System (SUS). The purchase, to be conducted through the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Revolving Fund, is a preventive measure intended to ensure a rapid response to potential epidemiological changes.

While Brazil has seen a 94% decrease in mpox cases in 2026 compared to the more than 10,000 cases recorded in 2022, certain regions are experiencing increases. The state of Rio de Janeiro has reported a significant rise in notifications, with 218 to 269 cases confirmed in 2026, compared to much lower figures in 2025. In response, the Ministry of Health recently sent 2,000 additional doses to Rio de Janeiro to bolster local supplies.

The national vaccination strategy prioritizes individuals living with HIV/AIDS who have a CD4 lymphocyte count below 100 cells/mm³, as they face the highest risk of severe disease. Other eligible groups include those with CD4 counts below 200 cells/mm³, users of Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), and laboratory professionals handling virus samples. The vaccination schedule requires two doses administered 28 days apart.