Brazil reverses downward trend in vaccination coverage in 2023

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Vaccination coverage among children stopped declining in 2023. This information comes from the Ministry of Health, and according to the Ministry, the numbers are still preliminary, but the trend is to record a further increase in coverage. Technicians noted that since 2016, Brazil has recorded declines in vaccination coverage. To achieve this result, Health Minister Nicia Trindade says the regional structuring strategy has been adopted, but it needs to continue until the numbers improve further.

“We have made progress, but there are many challenges ahead. But this progress is crucial and important for Brazil, which has already had its own national immunization program for 50 years, to restore the culture of immunization, which is a source of pride for the country and international recognition.

Teams from the National Immunization Program (PNI) traveled throughout Brazil throughout the year, holding workshops with health departments and searching for applicable solutions to the realities of each location. Out-of-home immunization, expanding immunization room hours, and actively searching for unvaccinated people are among the strategies implemented.

Vaccines that have emerged

According to the Ministry of Health, there has been an improvement in DTP vaccination rates in all federation units. Moreover, 26 federal units increased coverage against polio and the first dose of the MMR vaccine. 24 states also saw increases in coverage for hepatitis A, meningococcal, and the second dose of the MMR vaccine; and 23 improving pneumococcal vaccine coverage. Of the eight vaccines recommended at one year of age, seven showed an increase in vaccination coverage in 2023.

Among the states, Piaui was highlighted by the application of the first dose of the triple viral vaccine, which rose from 82.8% to 97.8%, as well as polio, which rose from 75.9% to 89.9%, and DTP, which jumped from 73.1%. To 92.8%. Espirito Santo also showed good results in meningococcal coverage, and Sergipe and Rio Grande do Norte expanded yellow fever immunization. Rondonia was also in the spotlight with the first dose MMR, which rose from 89.2% to 99.6%, reaching the recommended target.

The importance of vaccination

According to infectious diseases doctor, Hemerson Laws, people need to realize the importance of vaccination: “Vaccination is an act of protection, an act of love, towards the most sensitive and most vulnerable people, such as children and the elderly, to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases from devastating our society again.” Other.”

Adds Dr. Joleval Ribeiro, who is also an infectious disease specialist. He stressed, “The health authorities, the Ministry of Health, and all relevant bodies in the region must increasingly alert the population to the importance of vaccination so that we can achieve the best level of vaccination, as was the case in previous times.”

He also confirms: “The most important vaccines are distributed free of charge by the Ministry of Health, and others can be taken in private places that provide the vaccine.”

The Ministry of Health intends to transfer more than R$ 151 million for regional actions in states and municipalities and to launch the Health with Science programme.