Brazilian cities broaden vaccination programs for HPV, flu and pneumococcal diseases

Municipal health departments across Brazil are expanding vaccination campaigns as part of the Ministry of Health's rescue strategy. In Várzea Grande, Mato Grosso, the HPV vaccine is now offered to adolescents and young adults aged 15‑19, with services available at all 26 basic health units until 31 December. The initiative targets roughly 270 000 youths in the state, of which about 54 000 are priority cases, addressing an estimated 7 million Brazilians in this age group who missed vaccination since its 2014 introduction.

Novo Gama, Federal District, is promoting influenza immunisation for the entire population from six months of age, emphasizing protection of vulnerable groups and aiming to reduce hospitalisations. The Federal District also added the 20‑valent pneumococcal vaccine to its routine schedule for children under four, targeting approximately 66.5 000 children and seeking 95 % coverage.

Additional actions include a flu‑vaccination drive in the Capão prison in Várzea Grande, a multivaccination event at Brasília’s Boulevard Shopping offering vaccines for all age groups, and Saquarema’s extension of flu shots to the whole community. Together, these efforts aim to increase overall vaccine uptake, prevent disease outbreaks, and improve public health outcomes nationwide.