Update includes changes to the VPC20 vaccination schedule, the HPV vaccine and guidance for pregnant women and babies
The (Brazilian Society of Pediatrics) presented this Friday (Dec 20, 2024) the updated version of the Child and Adolescent Vaccination Calendar for 2025. The document becomes the official reference for immunization of healthy children and adolescents up to 19 years in Brazil.
The calendar, developed by the Scientific Departments of Immunization and Infectious Diseases, brings changes that reinforce protection against preventable diseases and should serve as a guide for pediatricians and families across the country. Access the full calendar (PDF — 954 kB).
The main changes in the update are:
- 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (VPC20): inclusion in the 3+1 schedule, with doses at 2, 4 and 6 months and booster between 12 and 15 months;
- HPV vaccination: expansion of the age range for boys and girls aged 9 to 19, with a specific scheme for those over 20 and immunocompromised;
- prevention against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV): there are 2 recommended approaches, vaccinating the pregnant woman to transfer antibodies to the baby and applying an injectable medication to the newborn to prevent serious complications;
- inactivated polio vaccine (VIP): exclusivity of VIP for all doses on the calendar, eliminating the use of oral vaccine (OPV) in booster doses, with the aim of increasing the safety of immunization;
- vaccination during pregnancy: strengthening immunization of pregnant women to protect newborns against diseases such as flu, whooping cough, covid-19 and RSV.
PROTECTION FOR BABIES AND PREGNANT WOMEN
The calendar reinforces the importance of vaccination during pregnancy as a way to protect the newborn against diseases such as flu, whooping cough, covid and RSV.
“These updates are essential to guarantee the best protection for children and adolescents, always keeping up with scientific advances.s”, said Renato Kfouri, president of the Scientific Department of Immunizations at SBP, during live launch.
