Brazil expands Pneumo 20 vaccine access for elderly and children

Brazil is expanding its immunization efforts through several initiatives. The Ministry of Health has implemented a national strategy to provide the Pneumo 20 vaccine to elderly citizens aged 85 and older to prevent severe cases of pneumonia and meningitis. Municipalities including São Gonçalo, João Pessoa, and Goiânia have begun local rollouts, with various health units offering the vaccine. In João Pessoa, the strategy includes specialized care for bedridden elderly individuals.

Additionally, the Pneumo 20 vaccine is being made available to children under five and pregnant women in certain regions like Campos. Separately, Anvisa has approved the registration of Capvaxive, a new pneumococcal conjugate vaccine protecting against 21 serotypes, intended for adults aged 18 and older.

Other regional health updates include Maceió expanding BCG vaccine access for children to protect against tuberculosis, and local efforts in João Pessoa to increase HPV vaccination coverage through the ‘Setembro em Flor’ campaign.