SP state begins influenza vaccination starting Monday Sao Paulo

Influenza vaccination began in São Paulo on Monday (25). The date for the start of immunization of the target group was brought forward after the country recorded a 50% increase in the number of cases in the first months of the year Compared to the same period in 2023.

Since January, 21 people have died from the disease.

About 2 million doses were distributed to the state's 645 municipalities through the Ministry of Health. Vaccination should start with the priority group consisting of:

• People over 60 years of age;
• Children aged 6 months to 5 years;
• Pregnant and postpartum women.
• the original people;
• Guests.

They must then be vaccinated:

• truck drivers;
• Displaced population
• People with permanent disabilities;
• Chronic diseases and weak immunity.

The final priority group consists of public servants who include:

• Health agents.
• Police men;
• teachers;
• Drivers and connectors.
• ports;
• Prison officers.

The goal of this campaign is to exceed the vaccination coverage rate for priority groups, which was 53% in 2023.

The city of São Paulo began administering the flu vaccine to the target audience on Friday (22).

From April 1, the campaign will also cover those most vulnerable to the disease according to the National Immunization Program (PNI) list:

The population estimate for the 2024 campaign is 4.5 million. The goal is to vaccinate 90% of the target population.

In 2023, more than 4 million flu doses will be administered. The coverage rate among priority groups was 52.19%.

The vaccine reduces the risk of respiratory complications and pneumonia. It takes two weeks for it to take effect.

Therefore, the campaign is held in the fall, to provide protection in the winter, when the influenza virus is most widespread. Adults, including pregnant women, should take one dose. When first receiving the vaccine, children ages 6 to 23 months should receive two doses. The vaccine is safe and does not cause influenza.

The vaccine will be available at integrated UBSs and AMAs/UBSs from Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and at integrated AMAs/UBSs on Saturdays, at the same time.

Residents can find the nearest unit through the Busca Saúde platform: http://buscasaude.prefeitura.sp.gov.br/.

Influenza is transmitted through an infected person's respiratory secretions when speaking, coughing, or sneezing.

The virus is also transmitted indirectly, through the hands, which can transfer the infectious agent directly to the mouth, eyes, and nose, after touching surfaces recently contaminated with respiratory secretions.

Simple measures such as washing hands frequently, using disposable tissues, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and keeping the environment ventilated, also help prevent influenza.

Between January and March 2024, 148 cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) due to influenza were confirmed. In the same period in 2023, there were 161.