Brazil: Lula gets flu shot and boosts campaign against virus

Officials confirmed that 78-year-old Lula will receive medical treatment at Villa Planalto in the capital, which is within the coverage of his residence.

The Workers’ Party founder will be accompanied by Health Minister Nicea Trindade.

“Traditionally, the event takes place between April and May across Brazil, but due to the increased spread of respiratory viruses in the country, this year’s event will begin on March 25,” the source said.

They say the vaccine is the main form of protection against severe symptoms caused by the flu.

This advance notice applies to the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast and South regions.

In 2023, the federal government changed its campaign strategy for the north, taking into account the region’s climate peculiarities, and immunized the population between November and December.

The vaccine used is trivalent, that is, it presents a combination of three virus strains that protect against the main infections prevalent in Brazil. An estimated 75 million people are expected to be immunized.

The Ministry of Health also reported that the influenza vaccine can be given at the same time as other immunizers in the national vaccination program.

Children six months to under six years old, Aboriginal infants from six months to under nine years old, health workers, pregnant women or women who have given birth, teachers in basic and higher education and members of indigenous peoples.

Likewise, persons over 60 years of age, homeless persons, security and rescue forces, professionals of the armed forces, citizens suffering from chronic non-communicable diseases and other special clinical conditions (regardless of age), permanent disabilities.

Likewise, truck drivers, collective road transport workers (urban and long-distance), port employees, people in the system of deprivation of liberty, the prison population and adolescents and young adults (12 to 21 years old) who are subject to socio-educational measures.

Children who are vaccinated for the first time should receive two doses, 30 days apart.

Right brain/OCS