Brazil reports low coverage for 14 of 16 essential infant vaccines

Brazil’s Ministry of Health has reported that 14 out of 16 primary vaccines recommended for infants under one year old have failed to meet the 95% coverage target established by the Programa Nacional de Imunizações (PNI).

Key immunizations falling short of the benchmark include the polio vaccine, which reached 88% coverage, and the yellow fever vaccine. Local data from Jundiaí indicates that while some vaccines like BCG and hepatitis B exceeded national averages, the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccine reached only approximately 81% to 84% for its first and second doses, respectively.

Despite the shortfall, the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) distributed over 222 million doses across the country in 2026. To address the gaps, health professionals held mobilization campaigns on National Vaccination Day to encourage families to update vaccination records and provide educational guidance on the importance of immunization.