Brazil rolls out 20‑valent pneumococcal vaccine for children nationwide

Brazil's health authorities have introduced the 20‑valent pneumococcal vaccine (VPC20), which protects against 20 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, effectively doubling coverage compared with the previous 10‑valent formulation. The rollout targets children under four years old, with a goal of immunising about 66,500 kids in the Federal District and achieving 95% coverage.

In the Federal District, the vaccine is now available at all basic health units (UBSs). "We are moving from a vaccine that protects against ten serotypes to one that doubles that number," said Tereza Luiza Pereira, manager of the Central Cold Chain at the District's Health Secretariat.

Municipalities such as Poços de Caldas (Minas Gerais) and Pará de Minas are holding "Dia D" multivaccination events, extending clinic hours and deploying a mobile vaccination unit to improve access. Pará de Minas also received 167 doses of VPC20 for the local childhood schedule and for specific risk groups, according to health coordinator Juliana Viana. Similar introductions are reported in João Pessoa, Paraíba. The coordinated effort aims to reduce pneumococcal disease‑related hospitalisations and deaths among children.