The Ministry of Health reported that flu vaccination will be expanded to all people over 6 months of age. The measure, according to the ministry, is to contain the most serious cases and hospitalizations due to the disease. 
It will be up to states and municipalities to define the age group to be immunized based on the doses available in stock. The ministry recommends that priority be maintained for the groups most vulnerable to complications from the flu: pregnant women, women who have recently given birth, the elderly, children under five years of age and people with comorbidities or special clinical conditions.
“Vaccination is essential to protect the health of the population and prevent its spread, especially during the colder seasons, when the incidence of flu tends to increase,” said minister Nísia Trindade, in a statement.
As of April 21, only 22% of the target audience had been vaccinated against the flu, according to a survey released by the department. Around 14.4 million doses were administered to a target population of 75.8 million people. The vaccination campaign began on March 25th.
The North Region is not included in the expansion of the target audience, as the campaign started in November 2023.
Increase in cases
Data from the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz) released last week shows an increase in cases related to the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in children up to two years of age, surpassing deaths associated with covid-19 in the same age group.
Tags: Flu vaccination expanded people months
