Rio de Janeiro begins vaccination campaign to combat Polio

A vaccination campaign to prevent Poliomyelitis, a disease that had beeneradicated in the country during the 90s.

“Despite having been considered eradicated in the country two decades ago, polio still worries everyone, mainly because vaccination coverage in many states, such as Rio de Janeiro, is below the target of 95% and new cases of the disease are emerging in some states. countries, increasing our risk of endemic imports. Therefore, we encourage vaccination even more to improve vaccination coverage from previous years, such as 2022 and 2023, and thus reach the desired goal“, I told Secretary of State for Health, Claudia Mello.

The speech really brings worrying numbers, as in Rio, in 2022, the vaccination rate was below 60m%, already in 2023 reached a little more than 70%, however far from the estimated number.

The campaign is also highlighted by the fact of the country is in transition regarding the form of vaccination. The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) known as “little drop”, will give way to the Inactive Polio Vaccine (VIP), a measure that will already be introduced in thesecond half of 2024, when booster doses will be applied with VIP. Mannounced by the Ministry of Health.

Infantile paralysis or Poliomyelitis is a disease caused by a poliovirus located in intestine that mostly affects children, but also affects some adults. Transmission can occur through contact with contaminated feces or their secretions. Poor sanitation conditionsment and hygiene are factors that increase the spread of the disease.

_{Explanation about Poliomyelitis (Reproduction/YouTube/O TEMPO)}

It is a rare condition, whichomits less than 15 thousand people per year. In its most serious case, it can cause muscle paralysis, the mainmind in the lower limbs.

Featured Photo: campaign focuses on children (Reproduction/Freepik)