Maracanã will have measles and flu vaccinations at the Brazil game.

The initiative brings vaccinations to the public during a friendly match against Panama, focusing on offering the MMR vaccine. Photo: Edu Kapps / SMS

Health is once again on the field in Rio, this time at the friendly match between Brazil and Panama. This Sunday (May 31st), those attending the Brazilian national team's farewell match before the World Cup at the Maracanã stadium will be able to get vaccinated before the game starts. From 3 PM to 6:30 PM, a special initiative by the Municipal Health Department (SMS) in partnership with the Ministry of Health will provide a vaccination point (PV) for fans. The PV will be located at access point D, at the entrance to the lower east stands, near the Bellini statue. The focus of the initiative is measles prevention, considering that the countries hosting the tournament (United States, Mexico, and Canada) are facing active outbreaks of the disease.

The strategy aims to expand vaccination coverage by bringing immunization to high-traffic areas. In addition to the MMR vaccine, which protects against measles, mumps, and rubella, the flu vaccine will also be available, essential for preventing severe cases of influenza at this time of year.

– The action at Maracanã is part of a broader strategy by the Municipal Health Department to reinforce the immunization of the population of Rio de Janeiro against measles, in order to prevent the reintroduction of the disease in the municipality and the country in light of the increase in international tourism. It is very important that fans who are going to travel to the host countries get vaccinated with the MMR vaccine before they go – emphasizes the Municipal Health Secretary, Rodrigo Prado.

At the Maracanã vaccination center, the Municipal Health Department teams will also provide guidance to citizens on the importance of vaccination, clarify doubts, and reinforce the need to keep vaccination records up to date. In addition to the vaccination center, flu and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccines will be available for journalists near the press accreditation area.

Vaccines remain available at the city's 243 vaccination centers, including family clinics, municipal health centers, and the Super Centro Carioca de Vacinação units in Botafogo (open daily from 8 am to 22 pm), in the West Zone (at ParkShoppingCampoGrande, following the mall's operating hours), and in the North Zone (Shopping Nova América).