Brazil's influenza vaccination rollout faces low coverage and new trial efforts

State health authorities report that influenza vaccination in Brazil remains far below targets. Goiás immunised only 43.07% of its priority groups, administering 718,741 doses, while Várzea Grande recorded roughly 35% coverage among the same groups. In São Gonçalo, more than 88,000 residents have been vaccinated, with 43,776 elderly receiving the jab.

Health officials cite low risk perception, seasonal climate changes and limited public awareness as key drivers of the shortfall. To improve access, many municipalities have deployed mobile vaccination vans, set up pop‑up sites in schools, parks and other public spaces, and extended hours, including weekend clinics.

Separately, the Instituto Butantan has launched a clinical trial recruiting 735 seniors (aged 60+) to test a new adjuvanted influenza vaccine across 14 municipalities in eight states. The study aims to assess safety and immune response compared with a high‑dose commercial vaccine.

These combined actions underscore ongoing challenges and intensified efforts to raise influenza vaccine uptake among Brazil’s most vulnerable populations.