Goiás Low Vaccination Rates Prompt Influenza Vaccine Expansion to Public

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Low Coverage Rates Prompt Urgent Expansion in Goiás

Public health officials in Goiás are racing to close a significant gap in immunization coverage. According to the state health department, the current vaccination rate for priority groups stands at 34.78%, a figure that falls considerably short of the 90% target established by the Ministry of Health. The disparity is particularly evident across different demographics within the state. Current data shows that coverage for children is at 24.74%, while elderly populations have reached 38.94%, and pregnant women stand at 42.84%. To address these numbers, the state has announced that the vaccine will be made available to the entire population, including those aged six months and older, starting June 1. The urgency of this expansion is underscored by the rise in Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SRAG). In Goiás, 2026 has already seen 4,156 SRAG cases and 202 deaths, highlighting the lethal potential of respiratory diseases among the elderly, children, and those with pre-existing conditions.

“When the population stops vaccinating based on incorrect information, they expose themselves to real risks. The SRAG cases already sum to 4,156 cases and 202 deaths in Goiás in 2026, evidencing the gravity of respiratory diseases, especially among the elderly, children, and people with comorbidities, and for some of these diseases, like Influenza, we already have a vaccine.”

The Secretary of State for Health, via goias.gov

Rio Grande do Norte Prepares for Saturday Mobilization

Parallel efforts are underway in Rio Grande do Norte, where a new “Dia D” mobilization is scheduled for Saturday, May 30. As DeFato.com reported, the state health department is directing municipalities to expand the operating hours of vaccination sites to facilitate easier access for the estimated 1,424,963 people in the target population. While the state has seen some success in specific sectors, the overall numbers remain below expectations. Currently, Rio Grande do Norte has achieved 38.08% coverage among its target audience. The breakdown of these figures reveals varying levels of protection:

• Pregnant women: 62.12% coverage
• Elderly: 38.61% coverage
• Children (6 months to under 6 years): 33.76% coverage

The need for increased immunization is reinforced by recent disease activity. The state has recorded 372 confirmed influenza cases and 11 deaths in 2026, a trend that has surpassed the figures from the same period last year. Like Goiás, Rio Grande do Norte will open vaccination to the general public on June 1.

Localized Health Strategies in Mossoró and Goiânia

On a municipal level, cities are deploying targeted logistics to maximize the impact of these mobilization days. In Mossoró, the municipal health department is preparing for a “Dia D” this Saturday with a wide network of service points. According to official reports from Mossoró City Hall, the city will utilize 13 basic health units (UBS) alongside four extra vaccination points to reach its priority population, which is estimated at 116,595 people. These sites include locations such as the Partage Shopping and the UniCatólica Multi-Practice Center, offering varied hours to accommodate different schedules. Goiânia has also seen significant recent activity. During a recent mobilization on May 23, the capital applied 10,001 total doses of vaccines, with 5,962 specifically targeting influenza. Data from Goiânia indicates that the Sudoeste district led the city in applications, with 1,934 immunizations, followed by the South and Northwest regions.

Addressing Misinformation and Respiratory Risks

A major hurdle for health officials in this campaign is the persistence of medical misinformation. Health authorities are working to clarify that the influenza vaccine is safe and cannot cause the illness it is intended to prevent.

“It is important to make it clear: the influenza vaccine does not cause the flu, as it is produced with inactivated viruses, incapable of causing the disease.”

A health surveillance official, via goias.gov The risk of remaining unvaccinated is high, particularly as the period of increased respiratory virus circulation continues. Officials emphasize that the vaccine is the primary tool for preventing hospitalizations and mortality.

“We continue reinforcing the importance of vaccination, especially among priority groups. The vaccine is safe, free, and fundamental to reducing complications, hospitalizations, and deaths caused by the flu.”

A municipal health official, via A Redação As the transition to general public vaccination begins on June 1, the focus remains on building collective immunity. For those who have yet to receive their dose, health officials urge immediate action at local clinics to mitigate the risks of severe illness. Consult your healthcare provider for specific medical advice and vaccination schedules.