The Secretaria de Saúde in Limeira has launched its flu vaccination campaign for 2025, vaccinating 7,839 individuals in the first week alone, starting on April 7. The campaign primarily targets priority groups defined by the Ministry of Health, with a notable focus on individuals over the age of 60, who currently represent 13.4% of those vaccinated.
The flu vaccine, which is available from 8 AM to 12 PM and 1 PM to 4 PM, is administered at various Unidades Básicas de Saúde (UBSs) across the city, including locations in Abílio Pedro, Aeroporto, Campo Belo, and more. To receive the vaccine, individuals must provide a photo ID, CPF, proof of residence, and their SUS Card.
The available immunization is a trivalent vaccine, which includes updated strains of the A (H1N1 and H3N2) and B influenza subtypes. Notably, this vaccine can be administered alongside other vaccines from the National Vaccination Calendar, making it a convenient option for many.
In a similar vein, the Secretaria de Saúde of Nova Odessa has also initiated its 2025 Vaccination Campaign Against Common Flu (Influenza), which is now set to continue indefinitely. This campaign began on April 3, 2025, and has already seen the administration of 2,528 doses. The focus remains on priority groups, which include children aged 6 months to under 6 years, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with comorbidities. Healthcare professionals, teachers, and public safety personnel are also encouraged to get vaccinated due to their high exposure to the virus.
Paula Mestriner, the coordinator of the municipality's Epidemiological Surveillance, emphasized the importance of vaccination, stating, "Vaccination continues to be the safest way to protect people from complications of the flu, such as pneumonia, especially in children, patients with comorbidities, and the elderly." The goal for the campaign is to immunize 90% of the members of these priority groups.
In 2024, the state of São Paulo achieved a vaccination rate of 53% among its population against the flu. Mestriner highlighted that the flu vaccine can prevent 60% to 70% of severe cases and deaths, underscoring the critical nature of widespread immunization.
As the autumn season approaches, the prevalence of respiratory illnesses such as rhinitis, sinusitis, flu, and colds is expected to rise. Therefore, a robust vaccination effort is essential to alleviate pressure on public health units.
The UBSs in Nova Odessa are also administering all other vaccines from the National Vaccination Calendar, including those for dengue (for adolescents aged 11 to 14) and COVID-19 for priority groups. For those with questions about vaccination, the state government has launched the Vacina 100 Dúvidas portal, which provides answers to common inquiries regarding side effects, vaccine efficacy, and the dangers of not getting vaccinated.
Each of the seven UBSs in Nova Odessa offers specific hours for vaccination services:
- UBS 1: Avenida Carlos Botelho, nº 30, Centro – open from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1 PM to 3:30 PM.
- UBS 2: Rua São Paulo, nº 65, Jardim São Jorge – open from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
- UBS 3: Rua Sigesmundo Andermann, nº 731, Jardim São Manoel – open from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1 PM to 3:30 PM.
- UBS 4: Rua Louis Francescon, nº 65, Jardim São Francisco – open from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1 PM to 3:30 PM.
- UBS 5: Rua das Imbuias, nº 513, Jardim Alvorada – open from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
- UBS 6: Rua Aurélia de Paula Belinati, nº 69, Jardim Marajoara – open from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1 PM to 3:30 PM.
- UBS 7: Rua Alexandre Bassora, nº 833, Jardim Nossa Sra de Fátima – open from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1 PM to 3:30 PM.
As the vaccination campaigns in both Limeira and Nova Odessa progress, health officials stress the importance of community participation. The ongoing efforts aim not only to protect vulnerable populations but also to prevent widespread outbreaks that could strain health services in the upcoming months.
