Influenza vaccination started on April 10| Photo: Marcello Casal JrAgência Brasil

The Ministry of Health expanded, this Friday (12/5), the target audience for flu vaccination. As of next Monday (15/5), the entire population over six months of age will be able to seek out health posts to get immunized. Availability of doses depends on planning to be established by states and municipalities.

According to the ministry, the measure aims to reduce the incidence of respiratory disease, which can lead to serious conditions, hospitalizations and deaths. In addition, according to the folder, the guidance meets the request of states and municipalities, which can use vaccines in stock and adopt local strategies to operationalize immunization, taking into account the realities of each region.

The vaccine is provided free of charge by the Unified Health System (SUS). The national flu vaccination campaign began on April 10th. To date, approximately 21 million people have received the Influenza vaccine, which represents about 30% of the priority group. The goal is to vaccinate at least 90% of each of the priority groups