Brazil expands Pneumo 20 vaccine access for elderly citizens

Several Brazilian municipalities, including Nova Iguaçu, Guarulhos, Rio de Janeiro, and Mogi das Cruzes, have expanded the availability of the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Pneumo 20) to residents aged 85 and older. This initiative follows new guidelines from the Ministry of Health's National Immunization Program (PNI) to reduce hospitalizations and deaths caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which can lead to severe conditions such as pneumonia and meningitis.

The vaccination strategy requires an assessment of the individual's immunization history. For those who have never been vaccinated against pneumococcus, a single dose is indicated. Individuals who previously received one dose of Pneumo 13 or 15 must wait at least two months before receiving Pneumo 20, while those who received one dose of Pneumo 23 must wait at least one year. The vaccine is not indicated for those who have already received two doses of Pneumo 23 or a combination of Pneumo 13/15 and Pneumo 23.

In addition to the elderly, the Pneumo 20 vaccine remains available in municipal networks for children under five years of age. To receive the dose, residents must present an official photo ID and their vaccination record.