São Paulo starts vaccinating against yellow fever

The city of São Paulo will vaccinate against yellow fever at this month's flying station. Bus terminals, train stations and subway stations, as well as large circulation sites in the central region, will become points for immunization.

The aim is to reach 95% of vaccination coverage in the state capital, which currently reaches 58.5%. This initiative is part of a series of actions to combat arbovirus – which also includes the Zika virus and dengue fever – ahead of summer and rain. Vaccines remain available in all primary health units in the municipality.

This Saturday (10), the flying stations are in Largo do Cambuci and Faculdade Hotec, both in the central region. To receive a dose, it is necessary to carry an identification document and, if possible, a vaccination card and a card from the Integrated Health System (SUS).

Anyone who intends to travel to an area recommended by the vaccine must receive a dose of at least ten days before the date of travel. This is the time the body needs to produce antibodies to disease.

Since September last year, when the vaccination campaign began in the municipality, 6.8 million doses were applied to yellow fever.

The region with the highest coverage was north, with 88.7% of the population vaccinated, followed by the south with 68.9%, then the west (57.6%), east (42.6%) and southeast (43, 1%). The central region has the lowest coverage, with 23.2%.

Six deaths

In 2018, the capital recorded 13 autochthonous cases (acquired in the municipality) of yellow fever, six of which resulted in death. In addition, 107 imported cases were registered.

The City Health Department warns that in recent months there has been stabilization of diseases due to low temperatures, but the tendency is that new cases arise with the arrival of summer.

It also highlights that the city recorded a new epizootic (the death of a Sagui) in Anhanguera Park in the first half of September. This indicates that the virus is circulating in the capital city.

Indication

Vaccines against yellow fever are not indicated for children under the age of 9 months, pregnant women, breastfeeding women children up to the age of 6 months and patients with any natural immunodepression: cancer, HIV, treatment with immunosuppressive drugs (corticosteroids, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) and immunomodulators) or who have undergone organ transplants. Cases of doubt must undergo a medical evaluation.

Vaccination of leaflets can be checked on the City Health Secretariat website.

Edition: Kleber Sampaio