Brazilian Cities Launch Maternal RSV Vaccination as States Receive First Batches

Overview

• Juiz de Fora began offering the RSV vaccine to pregnant women on December 8 through SUS at selected basic health units and a municipal maternal–child service, with applications continuing while supplies last.
• Rio Grande do Norte received just over 10,000 doses from the Ministry of Health and will distribute them to municipalities this week, with state officials saying local services will begin vaccinating in the coming days.
• São José do Rio Preto reported doses in hand and scheduled distribution to all basic health units and the Pediatric Center on Tuesday, December 9, targeting gestations from the 28th week.
• Fortaleza opened vaccination at 134 health posts on December 8 for eligible pregnant women after receiving 7,057 doses of the Pfizer-made Abrysvo, which city officials say is enough to cover the target group.
• Health authorities emphasize that the single maternal dose generates antibodies that cross the placenta and can cut infant respiratory hospitalizations, with recent surveillance citing 354 severe RSV cases in Rio Preto and 270 cases with three deaths in children 0–4 in Rio Grande do Norte.