Brazil pushes vaccine campaigns as respiratory virus cases surge

Health experts in Brazil are stressing the continued importance of vaccination to curb the spread of respiratory viruses during the winter season. A professor from the University of Guarulhos highlighted the historical successes of immunization, the recent rollout of the 20‑valent pneumococcal vaccine for children up to five years old, and the need to maintain high coverage to protect the population through herd immunity. In the city of Tubarão, the local health department reported 830 respiratory virus cases and warned that demand for the seasonal influenza vaccine remains below expectations. Officials urged residents to use the free flu shots available at 22 vaccination sites and to follow basic hygiene measures to reduce transmission.