Brazil polio and meningitis vaccination efforts

Health authorities in Brazil are intensifying immunization campaigns and epidemiological surveillance to combat meningitis and prevent the reintroduction of poliomyelitis. In the state of Goiás, officials are responding to 147 recorded cases of meningitis and 32 deaths in 2026 by reinforcing vaccination against agents such as meningococci and pneumococci.

In observance of World Polio Day, national and local health officials are emphasizing the importance of childhood immunization to mitigate the risk of poliovirus reintroduction. While Brazil has not seen endemic circulation of the wild poliovirus since 1989, authorities warn of global circulation risks.

Recent data reveals significant regional disparities in immunization coverage. While Palmas has reached the 95% vaccination target for 2026, other areas struggle to meet Ministry of Health goals. In Goiás, coverage for children under one year old is reported at 86.76%, with some municipalities recording rates as low as 37%. In São Paulo, despite being disease-free for 38 years, infant coverage remains around 88.74%. Additionally, Maceió faces challenges with third-dose and first-booster coverage falling below recommended levels.

Brazil has transitioned from the oral polio vaccine to an exclusively injectable scheme using the Inactivated Poliovirus Vaccine (VIP), a change implemented in the routine schedule as of November 2024. The standard schedule requires doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, with boosters at 15 months and 4 years.