Flu Vaccination Rates Lag in Maricá and Saquarema, Falling Short of Targets

The influenza vaccination campaign in Maricá and Saquarema, located in the Região dos Lagos of Rio de Janeiro, is experiencing lower-than-expected coverage. The Ministry of Health's target is to immunize 90% of the priority population. In Maricá, approximately 40% of the target demographic has received the vaccine, an improvement from the same period last year, according to the city's prefecture. Saquarema's vaccination coverage stands at 33%. The campaign, which began in late March, initially focused on priority groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant and postpartum women, individuals with comorbidities, and other vulnerable populations. The immunization effort has since been expanded to include the entire population in both municipalities. The vaccine offers protection against major circulating influenza viruses, including Influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2) and Influenza B, aiming to decrease complications, hospitalizations, and deaths. To enhance accessibility, Saquarema is also offering vaccinations on Saturdays at health units in several neighborhoods. Municipal Health Secretariats are urging residents to visit their nearest health facility to stay up-to-date with their vaccinations, particularly during periods of high respiratory virus circulation.