Alert in Paraná: nearly half of the elderly have not yet taken the flu vaccine

The vaccination against influenza in Paraná is below the target set by the Ministry of Health, which led the Secretary of State for Health (Sesa) to reinforce, on Wednesday (4), the call for people aged 60 or more to look for health facilities. The alert also applies to the elderly of Ponta Grossa and the other municipalities of Campos Gerais who have not yet received the dose this year.

According to the data released by the Government of Paraná, 1,135,325 doses of influenza vaccine were applied in the elderly population in 2026. Despite the significant number, vaccination coverage reached only 54.36%, far from the 90% goal recommended by the Ministry of Health.

The concern of the authorities is related to the risk of aggravation of infecções respiratórias, especially among people of advanced age or who have pre-existing diseases.

Paraná recorded more than 27,000 hospitalizations of elderly people for pneumonia

Data from the SUS Hospital Information System (SIH/SUS) show that, in 2025 alone, Paraná registered 27,858 hospitalizations for pneumonia among elderly people.

This number represents 55.2% of all hospitalizations for the disease in the State, although the elderly correspond to approximately 18% of the Paraná population.

The director of Health Care and Surveillance of Sesa, Maria Goretti David Lopes, reinforced the importance of annual immunization. “Annual vaccination is a key measure of protection. The influenza virus can rapidly develop into severe pneumonia or destabilize pre-existing health conditions. Vaccination is an act of care that preserves the autonomy and quality of life of our elderly people," he said.

In addition to respiratory complications, influenza infection can trigger inflammatory processes that increase the risk of cardiovascular problems, such as heart attack and stroke.

Where can the elderly get the flu vaccine?

In Ponta Grossa and in other municipalities of Campos Gerais, people aged 60 years or older can seek the Basic Health Units (UBS) to receive guidance and verify the availability of vaccination.

The State Health Secretariat also highlights that municipalities can offer alternatives for people with mobility difficulties, including home vaccination and extended care schedules. These modalities should be consulted in the municipal health network.

Family members and caregivers are encouraged to assist the elderly in updating vaccines by the end of the year.

Other vaccines also need to be up to date

In addition to the annual immunization against the flu, the vaccination schedule of the elderly provides protection against other diseases.

Among the recommendations issued by the Secretariat of Health are the vaccination against Covid-19 every six months, the reinforcement against diphtheria and tetanus every ten years and the completion of the scheme against hepatitis B.

The 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine is also recommended as a single dose for elderly people aged 85 years and older who have never received immunization against the disease, according to state guidance.

Keeping the vaccination calendar up to date is one of the main measures to reduce complications and preserve the health of the elderly population.