started · updated
Rio de Janeiro municipalities launch meningitis vaccine campaign
Health authorities in Rio de Janeiro, Belford Roxo, Duque de Caxias, and Nova Iguaçu have launched a rescue vaccination campaign against meningitis. The initiative, supported by the Ministry of Health, aims to provide the ACWY vaccine to individuals aged 1 to 24 who did not receive it during the recommended periods. Approximately 400,000 doses have been allocated for this action, which is scheduled to run until October 31.
The campaign responds to an increase in meningococcal disease cases in the state of Rio de Janeiro. According to the National System of Notifiable Diseases (Sinan), 70 cases were recorded in 2024, 95 in 2025, and 49 cases were reported through September 2026. The targeted municipalities were prioritized due to high transmission risks and a concentration of unvaccinated young people.
In the city of Rio de Janeiro, the vaccine is also available to healthcare workers of any age. Local health units and specialized vaccination centers are providing the single-dose immunization. Officials emphasize that the ACWY vaccine is a critical tool for preventing serious illness and death caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
Entities
Belford Roxo · Duque de Caxias · Ministry of Health · Nova Iguaçu · Rio de Janeiro · Rio de Janeiro Municipal Health Secretariat · Rio de Janeiro State Health Secretariat · Rodrigo Prado · Unified Health System
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Meningococcal ACWY vaccine was incorporated into the SUS routine for adolescents aged 11 to 14 in 2020 and for children aged 1 to 4 in 2025. ejornais.com.br · novasdodia.com.br · opiniaoenoticia.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The vaccine rescue action aims to optimize available batches following recommendations from the Ministry of Health. ejornais.com.br · novasdodia.com.br · opiniaoenoticia.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The vaccine is also available to healthcare workers regardless of their age. ejornais.com.br · novasdodia.com.br · opiniaoenoticia.com.br
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Rio de Janeiro Municipal Health Secretariat is conducting a Meningococcal ACWY vaccine rescue campaign for individuals aged 1 to 24 until October 31. ejornais.com.br · novasdodia.com.br · opiniaoenoticia.com.br