More than 70 thousand children have already received Pneumo 20 vaccine in Paraná

Pneumo 20 in the Paraná has already been applied in more than 70,400 children under 5 years of age by the Unified Health System (SUS). Incorporated into the National Vaccination Calendar in 2026, the immunizer extends protection against pneumococcal diseases, including pneumonia, meningitis and otitis media.

Across Brazil, more than 1 million children of this age group have received the vaccine since the beginning of the national strategy in June this year.

Pneumo 20 protects against 20 serotypes of the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae. The new immunizer extends the coverage offered by SUS and includes serotypes associated with invasive forms of pneumococcal disease in the country.

Among them are serotypes 3, 6A and 19A. The vaccine also contributes to the prevention of otitis media, a disease that, in some cases, can lead to complications such as hearing loss.

Vaccination seeks to reduce serious cases

Vaccination is considered the main form of prevention of severe forms of pneumococcal diseases, especially during early childhood.

In addition to individual protection, increased vaccination coverage can help reduce hospitalizations, complications and deaths caused by pneumococcal infections.

Data from the Ministry of Health show that between 2023 and 2025, Brazil registered 4,600 cases of pneumococcal meningitis and 1,400 deaths related to the disease. The lethality rate recorded in the period was 30%.

Among children under 5 years of age, 589 cases and 187 deaths were counted.

What is the Pneumo 20 scheme

With the entry of Pneumo 20 in the National Vaccination Calendar, Pneumo 10 will be gradually replaced in the children’s scheme.

During the transition period, the still available stocks of Pneumo 10 will continue to be used.

The children who are starting the scheme receive Pneumo 20 at 2 months, Pneumo 10 at 4 months and a dose of reinforcement of Pneumo 20 at 12 months. The minimum interval between the second dose and booster should be 60 days.

Children who have completed the scheme using Pneumo 10 do not need to receive an additional dose of Pneumo 20.

Children who have started vaccination with Pneumo 13 or Pneumo 15 in the particular network can complete the scheme with Pneumo 20 by the SUS, provided that the recommended intervals are respected.

After the end of the stocks of Pneumo 10, all the doses provided in the children's scheme will be carried out with Pneumo 20.

Parents must provide vaccination cards

The guidance of the Ministry of Health is for parents and guardians to keep the children's vaccination notebook up to date and look for a health unit to check for pending doses.

The history of immunization can also be consulted by the Digital Child Health Card, available in the application My Digital SUS.

Vaccination with Pneumo 20 is part of the SUS strategy to expand the protection of children against pneumococcal diseases and reduce the occurrence of serious cases, hospitalizations and deaths in childhood.

 

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