New Pneumo 20 Vaccine Rollout Begins in Mogi das Cruzes and Suzano

Mogi das Cruzes and Suzano, Brazil, commenced administering the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (Pneumo 20) on Thursday, August 2nd. This new vaccine is available to children starting at 2 months of age and will be offered at all Basic Health Units (UBSs) in both municipalities. Arujá and Ferraz de Vasconcelos are already providing the Pneumo 20 vaccine. Guararema has incorporated the vaccine into its municipal schedule, but reported a zero stock as of Wednesday, August 1st. Itaquaquecetuba is slated to begin vaccinations on Monday, August 6th. Other municipalities, including Biritiba-Mirim, Poá, Salesópolis, and Santa Isabel, had not yet responded regarding their vaccination start dates at the time of reporting. The Pneumo 20 vaccine was integrated into Brazil's Unified Health System (SUS) in early June. Previously only accessible privately, it offers protection against 20 serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae, a bacterium responsible for severe illnesses like pneumonia and meningitis. For routine vaccination, infants from 2 months old initiating their pneumococcal vaccine schedule will receive the Pneumo 20. The second dose at 4 months will remain Pneumo 10, and the booster at 12 months will transition to Pneumo 20. Children who have already started their schedule with Pneumo 10 will receive their booster dose with Pneumo 20, while those who completed the entire Pneumo 10 series do not require the new vaccine. As of June 30th, Mogi das Cruzes had 1,200 doses, and Suzano had 900 doses available.