The Ministry of Health aims to reverse the downward trend in vaccinations; immunization in schools and the expansion of classroom timetables for questions are among the strategies that explain the scenario
In 2023, coverage of eight vaccines In Brazil, according to a report released on Tuesday 19th by the Ministry of Health, recommendations for children aged 1 year have increased. Immunizers with an increase in doses administered are against hepatitis A, polio, pneumococcus, meningococcus, DTP (diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough) and 1st dose and 2nd dose of triple viral (measles, mumps and rubella), as well to the yellow fever vaccine, indicated at 9 months of age. The data refers to doses applied from January to October this year, compared to the same period in 2022.
According to a survey, cases of pneumococcal, polio and triple viral infections (1st dose) occurred in 26 states. An increase in the application of the immunizer against hepatitis A, meningococcal infections and triple viral infections (2nd dose) was recorded in 24 states. All states and DF have seen increased vaccination against yellow fever and DTP. The percentages vary from 61.6%, for the triple viral (2nd dose), to 85.6% coverage, for the triple viral (1st dose).
The only vaccine recommended for this age group that did not see an increase in demand was against chickenpox. According to Eder Gatti, director of the National Immunization Program (PNI), the decline is due to a safety problem at the world’s largest supplier, which stopped supplies in the second half of 2023. “It was not possible to find a replacement on the market for this temporary disruption,” he explained.
Vaccination in schools
For the Minister of Health, Nísia Trindade, the results show the beginning of the process of reversing the downward trend in vaccination coverage in the country, which has been underway since 2016. In February, the government launched National Movement for Vaccination resume immunization and fight fake news about vaccines.
Nísia Trindade attributes the improvement to regional actions, with the transfer of R$151 million to states and municipalities and to vaccinations in schools. As of 2023, 3,992 cities have implemented school-based immunization of children and adolescents.
Other strategies adopted were the expansion of the opening hours of immunization rooms, the active search for unvaccinated people, the standardization of registers of doses administered, with the CPF of those who received it linked to a dose and the identification of who applies it in a national system. Previously, these documents were entered into state and municipal systems.
“Despite denialism, the government will not give up the defense of life and the defense of vaccinations,” he said, adding that vaccines and treated water are the most effective measures to reduce infant mortality and increase life expectancy.
According to the Ministry’s report, the number of municipalities that have reached 95% of the childhood vaccination target increased by a third.
HPV
As for the vaccine against HPV, the number of doses applied increased by 30%. Since 2014, when immunization began, coverage has decreased, despite the increase in the age range and the inclusion of children as the target audience.
“It was a vaccine targeted by deniers. Requests decreased year after year”, reiterated director Eder Gatti. HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection in the world and is associated with more than 90% of cases of cervical and anal cancer.
The vaccine is available in SUS for girls and boys aged 9 to 14, as well as women and men aged 15 to 45 with HIV/AIDS, transplant patients and cancer patients. Since August it has also begun to be offered to victims of sexual abuse. / With information from Agência Brasil
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
