Is it still necessary to be vaccinated against Covid-19? Understand!

The vaccine remains the main measure to combat the virus and has been included in the National Childhood Vaccination Calendar since January 1, 2024

Brazil is currently facing an outbreak of dengue fever and, as of the 20th, 1.9 million probable cases of the disease were recorded. Incorporated by the Ministry of Health in January into the SUS, the dengue vaccine is sought after by many Brazilians and is currently available for the age group of 10 to 14 years. However, it is also necessary to pay attention to immunization against Covid-19. Although the disease scenario is not as serious as in 2020, it is still a threat to public health.

The Coronavirus Panel points out that, in the week of March 10 to 16, 48,038 cases and 262 deaths from the virus were recorded. According to the Flu Syndrome Surveillance Report 11, the numbers signal a decrease in cases and deaths compared to the previous week. The report also points out that the JN.1 variant, which is very transmissible, is in predominant circulation.

Even though cases are falling, it is essential to reinforce the importance of vaccination against Covid-19, the best form of prevention and the main measure against serious forms of the disease. It is worth remembering that it is available free of charge in health units across the country. To start or complete the vaccination schedule, simply go to the health unit closest to you.

New vaccination strategies

Despite the proven effectiveness of the vaccine, clearly demonstrated by the reduction in serious cases and deaths in the last three years, only 6.2% of children aged 6 months to 2 years are vaccinated. For children aged 3 to 4, the immunization rate is only 6.6%. These numbers are well below the target set by the Ministry of Health of 90% vaccination coverage.

To achieve this objective, the ministry included, in January 2024, the vaccine against covid-19 in the National Vaccination Calendar for children aged six months to under five years of age. The recommendation is to apply the first dose of the vaccine at six months of age, the second dose at seven months and the third dose at nine months.

Infection with the virus for this group can bring serious risks and consequences. Therefore, ensuring the vaccination of children is a point of great attention and must be taken seriously. Furthermore, the ministry proposed new vaccination guidelines for priority groups. Individuals over 60 years of age or older, immunocompromised people, pregnant women and women who have recently given birth should receive booster doses every six months.

Booster doses are another layer of protection for more vulnerable groups. When infected by the virus, the vaccinated person will be able to fight it quickly, as they already have immunity acquired with the vaccine and, therefore, in most cases, the disease progresses to a mild or asymptomatic condition.

For other priority audiences, the dose will be annual. They are: people who live or work in long-term institutions, indigenous people, riverside dwellers, quilombolas, health workers, people with permanent disabilities or comorbidities, people deprived of liberty aged 18 or over, employees of the deprivation of liberty system, teenagers and young people complying with socio-educational measures and the homeless population.

Anyone who has not yet been vaccinated or is late with a dose of the vaccine should look for a health unit to start or complete the vaccination schedule and reinforce protection against the disease. The complete primary regimen consists of two doses of the vaccine with a recommended interval between doses of four weeks. For those who are up to date with their primary vaccination schedule, and are not in the priority group, they do not need additional doses at this time.

Safe and effective vaccines

The vaccines offered by the National Immunization Program (PNI) to combat Covid-19 are effective, effective and safe. They are authorized for use by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) and undergo a rigorous quality assessment process by the National Institute for Health Quality Control (INCQS), of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), the institution responsible for analyzing quality of immunobiologicals purchased and distributed by SUS.

Before the vaccine reaches the Brazilian population in health units, it goes through a complex distribution process, coordinated by the Ministry of Health.

Resumption of the vaccination culture in Brazil

Immunization is a priority for the federal government. In February 2023, the Ministry of Health launched the National Movement for Vaccination, with the aim of recovering high vaccination coverage in Brazil. You can check your vaccination status on the Meu SUS Digital app. Vaccination registration is also done on the paper Vaccination Card, by the local health professional. It is also possible to check the situation at the health unit itself, by presenting personal documents or the SUS Card.

Registration of Moderna’s updated monovalent covid-19 vaccine approved

Source: Anvisa

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