Teh state government is rolling out the “Nulldosis (D0)” vaccination against measles, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health (SESA), to bolster protection for children aged six months to just under one year (11 months adn 29 days). These guidelines have been disseminated to the 22 health regions and subsequently to local communities.

The vaccination initiative commences with 28.6 thousand doses of the double virus vaccine (measles and rubella), intended for children between six and eight months and 29 days old, delivered to the Paraná medicial Center (Cempar) on Tuesday, 3rd.For children aged nine to eleven months and 11 days, the triple virus vaccine, protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella, is recommended.

This strategy aligns with the Ministry of Health’s technical communication No.63/2025, issued by the general coordination for scientific integration and immunization (CGICI/DPNI/SVSA/MS).It targets the states of Roraima and Amapá, the metropolitan regions of Belém and São Paulo, and border municipalities with notable populations in the South region. In Paraná, all 399 municipalities are participating.

In 2024, Paraná achieved an MMR vaccination rate of 101.93 % (exceeding the estimated number of live births) for the first dose and 89.39 % for the second dose.This year, the rates stand at 99.35 % for the first dose and 80.86 % for the second dose.

“We have decided to involve the 399 municipalities in the null dose vaccination, and the Ministry of Health agreed to increase the protection of the most endangered population and to prevent the measles in Paraná.

The expansion of measles vaccination aims to curb the virus’s spread,especially with confirmed cases in neighboring countries and Argentina. The last confirmed case in Brazil was in June 2022, and in Paraná in June 2020. The Ministry of Health’s recommendation serves as a preventive measure against the virus’s re-introduction.

Recommendations

The “D0” dose does not replace the standard vaccination schedule, which includes doses at 12 and 15 months using the triple virus vaccine. Furthermore, the “D0” dose should be administered within 72 hours of suspected exposure.

SESA also urges municipalities to identify individuals aged 12 months to 59 years with pending or incomplete vaccinations, ensuring they are updated according to the national vaccination calendar. Individuals aged 29 to 30 who have not been vaccinated or have an incomplete plan should receive two doses.Those aged 59 to Xnumx years should receive one dose, and healthcare professionals should receive two doses nonetheless of age. Vaccine doses are available in all cities.

healthcare professionals in both public and private networks are instructed to remain vigilant for early detection of suspected cases,ensure proper sample collection for laboratory testing,and promptly notify urban and regional health authorities to facilitate case examination and contact tracing for prevention and control measures.

Symptoms

“We have decided to involve the 399 municipalities in the null dose vaccination…”

Common measles symptoms include high fever, rash (red spots initially appearing on the face and behind the ears before spreading), cough, runny nose, and conjunctivitis. Additional symptoms may include headaches, discomfort, and diarrhea.

As there is no specific treatment for measles, vigilance regarding these symptoms is crucial. After the appearance of red spots, patients should remain isolated at home for five days or in a hospital setting.