Brazil Confronts Persistent COVID-19 Risks Amid Low Vaccination Rates

Despite five years of COVID-19 vaccination efforts in Brazil, the disease continues to pose significant health risks, especially among vulnerable populations like young children. In 2025, the Ministry of Health distributed 21.9 million vaccine doses nationwide, but only 8 million were administered, highlighting a considerable gap in coverage.

COVID-19 remains one of the country’s most dangerous respiratory viruses, with over 10,410 severe cases and approximately 1,700 deaths reported in 2025. Experts caution that new variants could still emerge unpredictably, underscoring the ongoing need for vaccination.

Children under two years old are particularly susceptible to severe illness, including rare complications such as Pediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome (SIM-P). Although vaccinations for children began in 2022 and were incorporated into the basic vaccination calendar in 2024, coverage is far below the ideal 90%. In 2025, only 2 million pediatric doses were administered, with just a 3.49% vaccination rate for children under one year old. Challenges include diminished risk perception among the public and influential anti-vaccine sentiments.

Vaccines have demonstrated strong efficacy and safety, with vaccinated children showing low incidence of severe COVID-19. Public health authorities emphasize the need for improved medical education and communication to tackle vaccine hesitancy.

To enhance overall vaccination coverage, local initiatives such as the mobile vaccination post at Jundiaí's 41st Festa da Uva are underway. This campaign offers vaccines for influenza, HPV, dengue, triple viral, and yellow fever, operating during the festival until February 8. The presence of healthcare teams on-site ensures immediate support for attendees, aiming to bolster immunization rates in the community.

Overall, while vaccination has contributed to pandemic control, Brazil faces ongoing challenges to achieve sufficient COVID-19 vaccine coverage, particularly among children, in order to mitigate future outbreaks and protect public health.