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Flu vaccination campaign begins in the city of Rio
Published on 01/04/2025 - 13:39 | Updated on 01/04/2025 - 14:06
Priority groups listed can be immunized from this Tuesday - Edu Kapps / SMS
The Rio Municipal Health Department (SMS) began the influenza vaccination campaign for priority groups this Tuesday (01/04). In this first phase, seniors aged 60 or over, children aged six months to under 6 years, and pregnant women are eligible for flu vaccination at Primary Care units. In 2024, the city vaccinated around 2,1 million people and the goal for 2025 is to vaccinate 3 million.
The vaccine is considered annual, and the dose must be renewed every year to prevent complications, hospitalizations and deaths resulting from influenza virus infections in the most susceptible groups. In 2025, to date, nine deaths due to the disease and 64 cases of hospitalization due to this disease have been recorded in the city of Rio.
– With winter approaching, it is essential for all residents of Rio to ensure their protection against the disease. Just one dose of this vaccine, which is safe for those who have already been immunized in previous years, is enough, so set aside some time in your day and visit your family clinic or the municipal health center closest to your home to get updated information – highlighted the municipal health secretary, Daniel Soranz, who opened the campaign at the Super Centro Carioca de Vacinação, in Botafogo.
This year, the formula used in the campaign protects against the three strains of the influenza virus that circulated most in the Southern Hemisphere last year: H1N1 Victoria, H3N2 Croatia and B Austria.
– The Ministry of Health began distributing doses of the influenza vaccine two weeks ago and the municipalities will begin immunization according to this schedule. Today we are starting the campaign here in the city of Rio, and by April 7th we will begin the campaign nationwide. The city of Rio is an example for vaccination! With a broad Primary Care reach, the capital is able to be present in a large territory, ensuring vaccination coverage for the population of Rio – explained the director of the Immunization Program of the Ministry of Health, Eder Gatti, who was also present at the opening of the campaign at the Super Carioca Vaccination Center.
Last Saturday (29/03), the SMS opened the vaccination campaign first for healthcare workers. With the stipulated schedule, other groups will be served over the next few days. On April 7, people with chronic non-communicable diseases and other special clinical conditions will be able to get vaccinated. And on April 12, for other groups covered, such as postpartum women (45 days after giving birth), people with permanent disabilities (PcD), teachers, indigenous people, homeless people, postal workers, among others. The complete list of all priority groups for each stage is available on the website of the Municipal Health Department, at the link: https://saude.prefeitura.rio/vacinacao/vacina-gripe/.
Antônia Rosa, 62, was one of the first people to get vaccinated this morning at the Super Carioca Vaccination Center: “I saw that today they were going to start vaccinating the elderly against the flu. I, who never miss a dose, got my vaccine today. I get it every year! Flu, COVID-19, and everything else I’m in the same group for. Vaccination is everything!” she said.
Bruna Rafaela Loiola, 37 years old and 36 weeks pregnant, saw on the SMS social media that the flu vaccine would be available for pregnant women this Tuesday: – I spoke to my doctor and she told me to take it. I have also taken other vaccines, recommended for pregnant women. I always come here to the Super Vaccination Center, which is close to my house. It's great!
To get vaccinated, users must go to the health unit with an identification document and vaccination record, as well as proof of classification as a priority group (medical report, functional document for the professional groups served, among others). If you have flu or dengue symptoms, go to a unit to be evaluated by a health professional and postpone vaccination until you have fully recovered. People who have had COVID-19 should wait until their clinical condition improves before getting vaccinated against influenza. For other questions, health services can evaluate each case and provide appropriate guidance.
The vaccine is available at the 239 Primary Care units that are open from Monday to Friday, from 8 am to 17 pm, and on Saturdays, from 8 am to 12 pm. The Super Carioca Vaccination Center, located in the Rocha Maia Municipal Hospital complex, in Botafogo, South Zone, operates with special hours, from Sunday to Sunday, from 8 am to 22 pm, as well as the Super Carioca Carioca Vaccination Center, Campo Grande unit, which is located at ParkShoppingCampoGrande and operates with the same hours as the shopping center.
