Brazil distributes 1.7 million doses of pentavalent vaccine to states

By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews

Brazil Health Ministry officials reported Thursday the distribution of 1.7 million doses of pentavalent vaccine to the various states. This in turn will be sent to the cities.

The pentavalent vaccine provides protection against five diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, hepatitis B and Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria.

The distribution of the vaccine was scheduled during the later half of 2019; however, supply issues postponed it.

In July 2019, batches from the pre-qualified laboratory by the World Health Organization (WHO) failed the quality test of the National Institute for Quality Control in Health (INCQS) and analysis by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA). In August, the Ministry of Health requested replacement of the product, but at that time, there was no immediate availability in the world.

Brazil purchases the vaccine via the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) Strategic Fund, as there is no producer laboratory in the country.

The vaccination schedule provides for three doses of vaccine: at 2 months, 4 months and 6 months. The folder directs that the municipalities should regularize the vaccination book of children as soon as the stocks are regularized.



