After the Ministry of Health expands the flu vaccine age range, Salvador has an immunization holiday

From now on, the Flu vaccination is recommended for the entire population from 6 months of age . The announcement was made by the Ministry of Health, this Wednesday, May 1st, in a move to strengthen the fight against influenza throughout Brazil. Bahia is not far behind and, therefore, a stand was set up at the Barra lighthouse, a tourist attraction in Salvador, to immunize anyone who was there this holiday.

The action also takes place due to Labor Day celebrations and was promoted by the State Health Department (Sesab). According to the ministry, the expansion of this campaign marks progress in the immunization strategy against one of the most common and potentially serious respiratory diseases. The expectation is to apply around three thousand doses of the vaccine against Influenza, in addition to the Bivalent vaccine, which fights Covid-19.

Historically, vaccination against influenza was primarily aimed at groups considered at risk, such as the elderly, pregnant women, postpartum women, and individuals with specific health conditions.

For the holder of the portfolio, Roberta Santana, in addition to continuing to vaccinate priority groups, this expansion also aims to reduce outpatient care and hospitalizations during the autumn and winter months, periods in which respiratory diseases are more frequent. .

Data from the Bahia Epidemiological Surveillance directorate show that, in 2024 alone, 3,259 hospitalized cases of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndromes (SARS) were reported, an increase of more than 11.5% compared to the same period last year.

Also according to state health, in Bahia, vaccination coverage for Influenza is around 18.5%, with 886,592 doses applied.