Companies must facilitate vaccination of workers against measles

The entity also asked companies to facilitate professionals' access to vaccination services and promote educational campaigns, with information based on scientific evidence.

Measles is a highly transmissible infectious disease, whose prevention fundamentally depends on vaccination. Although Brazil recovered, in 2024, the certification of elimination of the endemic circulation of the virus, imported cases and localized outbreaks continue to be registered, which demonstrates the importance of the country maintaining high vaccination coverage. This year, 19 records have already been confirmed.

The entity recommends that all workers check their vaccination status and seek a basic health unit if they do not have proof of vaccination against the disease or have doubts about the regimen received.

An alert was also made to occupational doctors. During occupational consultations, admission, periodic, return-to-work or dismissal exams, these professionals must guide workers about the importance of vaccination and clarify doubts, especially among health professionals and other groups at greater risk of exposure.

Vaccination

The main vaccine against measles is the triple viral vaccine, which also protects against mumps and rubella and is available free of charge in Basic Health Units. The National Immunization Program foresees that all children receive a dose at 12 months of age. At 15 months, they should be vaccinated with the tetra viral vaccine, which also prevents chickenpox.

All people aged 1 to 29 who do not have proof of vaccination with two doses must receive the basic schedule or complete it.

Between 30 and 59 years old, vaccination for people without a proven history is carried out with just one dose. However, healthcare workers must provide proof of two doses of the vaccine, regardless of age, due to the greater risk of occupational exposure.

In specific situations defined by health authorities, such as vaccination blocking actions, scanning in defined areas or traveling to places with an active outbreak, children aged 6 to 11 months and 29 days can receive the so-called “zero dose”, which does not replace the doses provided for in the regular calendar.

The vaccine is only contraindicated for pregnant women, children under 6 months of age, people with severe immunosuppression or with a history of a serious allergic reaction to any of the components.