Since November of this year, the vaccine against the respiratory syial virus (VSR), the main cause of bricks in children, will be distributed free of charge by the Unified Health System (Sus). The immunner will be intended for two priority groups: pregnant women and babies.
VSR is responsible for about 80% of the cases of bronchiolitis and 60% of the pneumonia in children under the age of two. In Brazil, the complications of the virus led to 83,000 hospitalizations of premature children between 2018 and 2024. Only in 2025, was there a 52% increase in cases of infection in infants, strengthening the urgency of vaccination.
Who will have access to the vaccine in Sus
Pregnant women from the 28th week of pregnancy should be immunized. The maternal vaccination, according to the Ministry of Health, promotes the transfer of antibodies to the child, contributing to the protection in the first months of life, a period of greater vulnerability to VSR.
In cases where the mother has not been vaccinated, direct immunization in infants guarantees immediate protection, reducing the risk of hospitalizations.
The expectation of the Ministry of Health is to benefit from about 2 million births lives per year and significantly reduce the impact of the disease. It is estimated that the immunner can avoid up to 28,000 hospitalizations every year.
The importance of vaccination
Studies show that every five children infected with VSR, one needs medical treatment and one in 50 is hospitalized during the first year of life. Between premature, the risk is even higher: the mortality rate is seven times higher than that of dead children.
In the private network, the vaccine can cost up to $ 3,680, which makes immunization for most families inaccessible. Sus’s free offer therefore represents an advance in the protection of childhood and health equity.
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.
