Brazil confronts low flu vaccine uptake and rising severe respiratory cases

Health authorities in Goiás report that the seasonal influenza vaccination campaign has reached only 50% of its 90% target, prompting an alert about potential increased virus circulation. In Acre, 50 deaths from acute respiratory syndromes were recorded between January and 27 June 2026, a decline from previous years but still prompting continued monitoring, with seniors accounting for 30% of the fatalities. Campinas confirmed another SRAG death caused by influenza, bringing its 2026 tally to 220 cases and 16 deaths; the city has administered over 302,000 vaccine doses, achieving 55% coverage among seniors. A Fiocruz InfoGripe bulletin shows most Brazilian states remain in alert for SRAG, driven primarily by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) which accounts for 55% of positive cases, followed by influenza A. Children bear the highest infection rates, while mortality is highest among the elderly, underscoring the push for influenza and COVID‑19 vaccination. Paraná, while free of confirmed measles since 2020, investigated one suspected case among 64 reports, reinforcing routine measles immunization. Nationwide, RSV-related SRAG is climbing in the South, Southeast and parts of the North, with the public health system offering RSV vaccine to pregnant women and private options providing up to three years of protection for adults at risk.