Saturday (30) is the “victory day” of vaccination against influenza and measles in Brazil | National Magazine

To keep your vaccination record in order, every day is a day.

“No, you can’t. The vaccine is very important. I’m never late,” says Enzo’s mother, Maria Ferreira Silva.

But in the calendar of the Ministry of Health, this Saturday (30) is an important date throughout Brazil. Day “D” for the flu and measles vaccination. Health professionals, the elderly, and children aged six months to less than five years will be vaccinated..

“In my time it was more difficult, but today they have these facilities. So, you have to enjoy it,” compares retired Marelda Lopez.

The campaign comes at a time when the flu is progressing. Influenza cases recorded in the first three months of 2022 are already more than half of the cases last year. Doctors say young children are at risk of complications.

In 2019, before the pandemic, 24.5% of reported cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by influenza were in children under 6 years of age, with 1,797 Need to go to hospital.

Health authorities are concerned that Brazil has not been able to reach the target of vaccinating children against influenza for several years. Last year, only four states were able to vaccinate at least 90% of children under five: Amapá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Espírito Santo and Santa Catarina.

In 2021, the total number of vaccinated people in this age group in the country did not reach 77%..

Pediatrician and director of the Brazilian Association of Immunizations, Renato Kfoury, says it is urgent to increase these numbers: “Not vaccinating children puts them at risk precisely in times of vulnerability, in early childhood, and at the moment of return to circulation of people, return to activities and the relationship of children in schools. It’s time to get vaccinated before winter to protect against influenza and other diseases.”

In São Paulo, a campaign was launched on Friday (29) focusing solely on children.

Infection scientist Rosanna Richtman explains that it’s important for parents to be aware of the risk: “We’ve spent two years, 2020, 2021, two years where the perception of influenza risk disappeared. It’s just the opposite. We have to think we have a generation now that’s two years gone without making antibodies.” to various aggressive factors”.

And even Monica’s gang seemed to remind us that the vaccine is essential.

“With this, we’re collaborating in some way to reach adults and children as well so that they get used to the idea of ​​vaccination,” he highlights. Mauricio de SousaCartoonist.

Glade de Jesus Santos takes care of her grandmother: she brings her granddaughter to the clinic every time there is a vaccination campaign: “That’s right. I’m watching. The health agent stops at home, if you forget, tell me. ”