Brazil's SUS vaccinates over 1 million children with Pneumo 20

Brazil’s Unified Health System (SUS) has vaccinated over 1 million children under the age of five with the new Pneumo 20 vaccine since June. The national immunization strategy aims to combat severe forms of pneumococcal diseases, such as pneumonia and meningitis.

Health Minister Alexandre Padilha announced the milestone during a visit to Montes Claros, Minas Gerais. The Pneumo 20 vaccine provides protection against 20 serotypes of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium. It is set to be fully incorporated into the National Vaccination Calendar by 2026, gradually replacing the previous Pneumo 10 version. During this transition, health officials will continue to use remaining Pneumo 10 stocks, meaning both vaccines may be used temporarily in the immunization schedule.

The expansion of coverage is a response to significant public health challenges. Between 2023 and 2025, Brazil recorded 4,600 cases of pneumococcal meningitis and 1,400 deaths, representing a 30% lethality rate. Within the under-5 age group specifically, there were 589 cases and 187 deaths recorded during that period.