Brazilian cities expand Pneumo 20 vaccine access for elderly

Municipalities in Brazil, including Aparecida de Goiânia and Curitiba, have begun offering the Pneumo 20 vaccine to residents aged 85 and older. The vaccine protects against 20 serotypes of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium, which is linked to serious conditions such as pneumonia and meningitis.

In Aparecida de Goiânia, the vaccination program is available across 35 municipal health units and in long-term care facilities to assist those with limited mobility. In Curitiba, the vaccine is being offered at 106 health units.

Health officials note that the administration of the vaccine depends on an individual's vaccination history. For those who have never received a pneumococcal vaccine, a single dose of Pneumo 20 is recommended. For individuals who have previously received other versions, such as Pneumo 13 or Pneumo 15, medical teams will evaluate the necessity and appropriate timing for the new dose. This initiative aligns with Ministry of Health strategies to gradually expand immunization coverage within the Unified Health System (SUS).