The city of Rio de Janeiro has officially launched a crucial vaccination campaign against measles starting Monday, March 24, 2025, in response to two recent confirmed cases in São João de Meriti, a nearby municipality. This initiative, led by the Municipal Health Department (SMS), aims to ensure that both adults and children are adequately immunized to prevent further outbreaks of this highly contagious disease.
This mobilization spans several key locations where large crowds gather, particularly the Terminal Gentileza and the Aeroporto Santos Dumont. Vaccination at these sites will be available from Monday to Friday, between 8 AM and 4 PM. Meanwhile, at Central do Brasil, vaccination will occur on Tuesday and Thursday during the same hours.
According to the Secretary of Health, Daniel Soranz, the drive to vaccinate comes after the alarming identification of two cases in children from the same family, who have since been discharged from medical care. "The measles is a disease that still kills nearly 100,000 people a year worldwide. It's important that we remain vigilant to keep RJ away from measles," he stated.
Rio has not reported any measles cases so far in 2025, largely attributed to an effective vaccination program in recent years. However, with the recent cases in São João de Meriti, health officials emphasize the need for extensive immunization efforts to maintain this protected status. Soranz pointed out that many residents may be unaware of their vaccination history and urged individuals over 30 to consider receiving a booster shot. "This vaccine protects against three viral diseases: measles, mumps, and rubella," he explained.
The campaign aims specifically to guarantee the vaccination scheme against measles for adults aged 18 to 59 who remain unvaccinated or for younger individuals up to 29 years who have only received one dose, allowing them to complete their vaccination schedule with the necessary second dose.
As part of this extensive effort, the city provides vaccines at over 230 health posts across the municipality. Additionally, vaccination is available at all 239 Primary Care units, as well as the Super Centro Carioca de Vacinação in Botafogo—which operates daily from 8 AM to 10 PM—and in Campo Grande, aligning its hours with that of the shopping center.
In speaking to those receiving the vaccine at Terminal Gentileza, many individuals expressed gratitude for this convenient access. Mayara Vieira, a 32-year-old babysitter, noted, "I arrived around 7:20 AM on my way to work and took advantage of the opportunity to get vaccinated. I had already received the vaccine in my pregnancy, but it's important to stay protected against many diseases.”
Another individual, therapist Joelma Moura, 37, also took the opportunity, stating, "I was heading to my job and came across the campaign at the terminal; it was a simple decision to stop and get vaccinated without the need to go to another place.”
As the campaign progresses, officials expect to vaccinate nearly 800 individuals just at Terminal Gentileza on its opening day, a sign that public health response measures are gaining traction amid recent health alerts.
The urgency to vaccinate stems not only from protecting the Rio community but also contributes significantly to national public health efforts to eliminate measles altogether. Soranz reinforced that maintaining a high vaccination rate is crucial as the city saw 92% coverage of children aged 12 with the first dose and 80% with the second. "While this coverage is good, we must improve. With the public's cooperation during this campaign, we can ensure collective safety," he declared.
In summary, the revitalized vaccination campaign against measles in Rio de Janeiro reflects a proactive, public health strategy to avert a potential resurgence of the disease. The joint efforts of the municipal health department, local health providers, and the community play an essential role in keeping Rio safeguarded against this once-erradicated illness.
