On April 10, 2025, the Ministry of Health in Brazil unveiled the digital version of the Child Health Booklet, a significant advancement aimed at improving the way families manage and monitor their children's health. This new feature is integrated into the Meu SUS Digital app, allowing parents and guardians to access essential health information conveniently from their mobile devices.
The digital booklet is designed to enhance the tracking of children's vaccination history, providing timely reminders for upcoming doses. As emphasized by Minister of Health Alexandre Padilha, this initiative addresses a common issue faced by parents who sometimes forget to bring the physical booklet to health appointments or schools. "The situation where a parent arrives at a health unit or school and forgets the physical booklet is now resolved — it will be available on the app," Padilha explained during the launch.
Families will continue to receive the printed version of the Child Health Booklet, which remains valid up to the age of nine. However, the digital format offers new interactive features that promise to make health management more efficient. The data will be updated in real-time through the National Health Data Network, ensuring that the information is current and accessible to healthcare professionals.
The digital booklet comprises two main sections: Health Records and Family Care. The Health Records section allows parents to track their child's vaccination history, growth, oral health, and clinical history, providing a comprehensive overview of their child's health status. Meanwhile, the Family Care section offers interactive educational content covering topics such as breastfeeding, healthy eating, accident prevention, and other critical aspects of child well-being.
Ana Estela Haddad, the Secretary of Information and Digital Health, highlighted how this digital transformation modernizes the booklet, making it more interactive and accessible. "The Child Health Booklet has always been an ally for Brazilian families. Now, with the digital transformation of SUS, it becomes more modern, interactive, and supportive for parents, caregivers, and health professionals across the country in caring for our children," she said.
To access the digital Child Health Booklet, both the responsible party and the child must have active accounts on the Gov.br platform. The process is straightforward:
- Install the Meu SUS Digital app, available for free on both the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).
- Open the app and log in using your CPF and Gov.br password.
- Navigate to the Miniapps section and select the "Child Booklet" miniapp.
- Click on "Add new child," read and accept the Terms of Responsibility, and enter the child's CPF and Gov.br password.
- After validation, the child will be linked to your account, and the digital booklet will be accessible.
This digital upgrade not only aims to streamline the vaccination process but also encourages active participation from families. Parents can input observations about their child's health directly into the app, such as noting when a tooth is about to fall out. This information can be invaluable during health consultations, ensuring that healthcare providers have access to comprehensive and up-to-date records.
Furthermore, the Family Care section is designed to be engaging and educational, offering practical guidance on a variety of topics essential for child development. This includes advice on nutrition, safety measures to prevent accidents, and recommendations for the responsible use of electronic devices. All educational content previously available in the physical booklet is now offered in a digital and interactive format, making it easier for families to access vital information.
The launch of the digital Child Health Booklet coincides with a national mobilization campaign running from April 14 to April 25, 2025, during which public schools will update vaccination records. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance vaccination coverage across Brazil, targeting diseases such as yellow fever, measles, and HPV.
As the Ministry of Health continues to innovate and adapt to the digital age, the introduction of the digital Child Health Booklet marks a pivotal step in making healthcare more accessible and efficient for families. By leveraging technology, the ministry aims to ensure that every child receives the necessary vaccinations and health support, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes for future generations.
In summary, the digital Child Health Booklet is a modern tool that not only simplifies tracking vaccinations but also empowers families with essential health information at their fingertips. With features designed to enhance engagement and accessibility, this initiative represents a significant leap forward in the care and well-being of children in Brazil.
