Brazil Launches Nationwide Vaccination Campaign Targeting measles and Rubella
BRASILIA – The Brazilian Ministry of Health has initiated a nationwide vaccination campaign to bolster protection against measles and rubella, with a particular focus on children and young people. The campaign, utilizing the triple viral vaccine, aims to increase immunization rates and prevent potential outbreaks as cases rise internationally, particularly in North America.Vaccination will be open to individuals aged 12 to 59, with specific attention given to those who may have missed previous doses.
The initiative comes as Brazil maintains its status as a measles-free area, though officials acknowledge increasing global risk. While the virus doesn’t currently circulate freely within the country, a surge in cases in neighboring nations – specifically the United States, Canada, and Mexico, accounting for 7,000 of the 10,000 cases reported across the Americas – raises concerns about potential reintroduction. “we will give the opportunity for people who have not vaccinated to rescue their dose and catch up on vaccination,” stated ministry official Eder.
The campaign will prioritize vaccinating children and youth up to 15 years of age, while also remaining open to individuals between 15 and 19. As of september 13th, Brazil has confirmed 31 measles cases this year, with 1,7134 cases discarded after investigation. Officials emphasize that the identified cases are currently isolated and linked to importation, and the campaign is designed to contain any further spread.
“Even though Brazil is recognized as a free area of the disease… regrettably, we observe many cases happening in other countries, especially the rise of the disease here on the American continent,” Eder explained. ”These are cases related to imports, isolated, which we are working to contain.And obviously, we take advantage of the multivance to increase the protection of our population and, consequently, to avoid the reintroduction of measles in our country.”
