One week before the end of the campaign, flu vaccination has less than 40% adherence

The national flu vaccination campaign began on April 10 and is expected to end on May 31. So far, more than 26 million people have received a dose of the vaccine that protects the body against the influenza virus.

The goal announced by the Ministry of Health at the beginning of the campaign was to reach at least 90% vaccination coverage among priority groups. However, data from the LocalizaSUS platform indicate that, one week before the deadline, the population’s adherence to immunization is at 37.78%.

The vaccine is provided free of charge by the Unified Health System (SUS). Initially, the doses were offered to priority groups that are at increased risk of worsening the disease.

On May 12, the ministry expanded the availability of vaccines to the entire population from six months of age. The immunizers used in the SUS are trivalent, offering protection against the three main strains of the virus in circulation. The doses are produced by the Butantan Institute and distributed to the entire public health network.

So far, two states have managed to vaccinate more than 50% of the target population: Amapá and Paraíba. With the largest target population, São Paulo achieved 34.41% adherence. While Acre has the lowest vaccination coverage, 15.70%.

Why vaccinate every year?

The composition of the vaccine changes each year, according to the strains of the virus that are most circulating at the moment, informed in the guidelines of the World Health Organization (WHO). Because the influenza virus is constantly changing, it’s important to get an up-to-date vaccine every year to maintain protection.

For 2023, in accordance with WHO guidelines, the vaccine will be composed of the following strains: Influenza A/Sydney/5/2021 (H1N1) pdm09; Influenza A/Darwin/9/2021 (H3N2); and Influenza B/Austria/1359417/2021 (B/Victoria lineage).

A Influenza vaccine is not capable of causing the flu. , contrary to the rumors that circulate on social networks every year. The doses are composed of inactivated viruses, therefore, they cannot induce the development of the disease. Among the possible effects of the vaccine are a feeling of pain in the body or a possible low fever, which tend to disappear in a few days.

The ministry points out that the vaccines have an excellent safety profile and are generally well tolerated. Manifestations, such as pain at the injection site, are common and occur in 15% to 20% of patients, being benign and usually resolved within 48 hours.