Child immunization in Varginha is reinforced with the new 20-valent pneumococcal vaccine in the SUS
Varginha City Hall began offering the Pneumo 20 vaccine (20-valent pneumococcal) in units of the municipal public health network, focused on immunizing children. The most recent vaccine is now part of the National Vaccination Calendar of the Unified Health System (SUS), providing extended protection against 20 different serotypes of pneumococcal bacteria. The inclusion of this vaccine seeks to contain the increase in more serious bacterial infections and reduce the number of pediatric hospitalizations due to respiratory and neurological complications.
The main target audience for this vaccine is children under 5 years of age. The arrival of this new vaccine will gradually replace the doses previously applied, which corresponded to the Pneumo 10 version. The transition to Pneumo 20 represents a significant advance in vaccination coverage, expanding defense against a wider spectrum of pathogens responsible for serious respiratory and neurological diseases in childhood.
To organize the application in the various health units, the Municipal Health Department established a basic transition schedule for the childhood vaccination calendar. The first dose of Pneumo 20 should be applied when the child is 2 months old. The second dose, of the Pneumo 10 version, is scheduled for 4 months of age, and a booster with Pneumo 20 completes the regimen at 12 months of age.
Increasing protection against serious diseases and places for vaccination
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that pneumococcal disease is the leading global cause of child deaths from illnesses that can be prevented through immunization. Pneumococcal bacteria are directly responsible for triggering serious pneumonia, meningitis, otitis and sepsis in the child population, reinforcing the importance of expanding vaccination coverage.
Parents and other legal guardians of children can find available doses in all vaccination rooms distributed across the city. The care process and application of immunization agents are also concentrated and accessible at the Varginha Municipal Vaccination Center.
















