City Hall provides Pneumo 20 vaccine and expands protection against childhood diseases

Araraquara City Hall informs that the Pneumo 20 (PN20) vaccine is now available free of charge in the city's health units. Incorporated into the National Vaccination Calendar by the Ministry of Health, the new vaccine expands protection against diseases caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, such as pneumonia, meningitis and otitis, in early childhood. The vaccine is intended for children under 5 years of age who have not yet completed the vaccination schedule, in addition to specific groups defined by the National Immunization Program (PNI), as per guidance from the Federal Government. Currently, these groups include patients undergoing stem cell treatment and undergoing CART-Cell therapy. PN20 protects against 20 serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria, expanding coverage in relation to the Pneumo 10 vaccine, previously used in the Unified Health System (SUS). Among the additional serotypes covered are 3, 6A and 19A, which are among those most associated with invasive pneumococcal disease in Brazil. Vaccination is considered the main way to prevent serious cases of these diseases and contributes to reducing hospitalizations, complications and deaths, in addition to strengthening the population's collective protection. During the transition period for the complete replacement of Pneumo 10, the vaccination schedule for children who start vaccination at 2 months of age will be carried out as follows: At 2 months of age: one dose of Pneumo 20 At 4 months of age: one dose of Pneumo 10 Between 12 and 15 months of age: booster dose with Pneumo 20 As Pneumo 10 stocks run out, the vaccination schedule will become carried out exclusively with Pneumo 20. Children who have already received the two doses and the Pneumo 10 booster have the vaccination schedule considered complete and do not need to receive an additional dose of Pneumo 20. The Municipal Health Department advises that parents and guardians contact the reference health unit to check the children's vaccination status, clarify doubts and ensure that the vaccination booklet is updated.