Low demand for polio vaccine makes SP extend campaign

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The Government of São Paulo has extended the polio vaccination campaign until October 31. To date, less than half of the target audience, children from 2 months to 1 year of age, has been immunized.

The campaign also offers BCG immunizations, against tuberculosis, against hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, yellow fever, measles, chickenpox and HPV, among others, for children and adolescents up to 15 years of age in the city.

According to the State Department of Health, just over a quarter of this public was taken to vaccination posts.

Polio coverage reached 1.1 million children, about half (49.2%) of the target audience. The vaccine is indicated for all children from two months to one year of age.

After the initial three-dose cycle, boosters are given at 15 months and 4 years of age.

The state of São Paulo has 9.1 million children and adolescents who can receive the vaccines, and those responsible should look for the nearest immunization post with the vaccination booklet.

The multi-vaccination campaign registered little demand among the population aged 5 to 14 years, representing only 11.3% of the target audience.

In São Paulo, immunizations are offered from Monday to Friday at Basic Health Units (UBS) and Integrated Outpatient Medical Assistance (AMA), at AMAs on Saturdays and in parks and on Avenida Paulista on Sundays. It is possible to consult the nearest location through the platform of the Municipal Health Department.

Polio can cause different complications in infected children, such as paralysis of the arms and legs and problems with the respiratory system.

Low vaccination coverage against the disease is a problem throughout the country, which last reached the goal of vaccinating 95% of the target population in 2015. The high vaccination rate is the most effective way to prevent the occurrence of the disease, which is still endemic in some regions of the planet. In Brazil, the last case was registered in 1989.

Polio vaccine schedule

  • 1st dose: two months old (injectable vaccine)
  • 2nd dose: four months (injectable vaccine)
  • 3rd dose: six months (injectable vaccine)
  • 1st reinforcement: 15 months (vaccine in drops)
  • 2nd reinforcement: 4 years (vaccine in drops)

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