Missing Zero Dose Measles SP – 07/31/2025
Measles Vaccine Shortage Hits São Paulo, Raising Public Health Concerns
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São Paulo, Brazil – Several health units in São Paulo are experiencing a critical shortage of measles vaccines, including the “zero dose” adn the viral double, leaving vulnerable infants unprotected and sparking concern among health professionals and the public. The scarcity,which began at the start of the week,is attributed to a widespread stockout in neighboring municipalities,forcing residents to seek vaccinations in the city,further depleting available supplies.
Critical shortages Across the City
In the east Zone, the UBS Cidade Kemel has been without the “zero dose” vaccine as monday.According to the unit, the vaccine’s unavailability in surrounding areas has led to an influx of residents seeking the dose, exacerbating the shortage. There is currently no forecast for replenishment.The situation is mirrored in the city center, where the UBS da Sé is only offering the triple viral vaccine, with the viral double for babies aged six months and older out of stock. A similar predicament faces the UBS Casa Verde in the northern region, highlighting a city-wide challenge in vaccine availability.
Municipal and State Responses Amidst Supply Issues
The Municipal Health Secretariat has stated that the Health Surveillance Coordination (Covisa), through the Municipal Immunizations Program (PMI), is actively working to ensure vaccine supply within the municipal network. the distribution and replenishment of vaccines are guided by the technical directives of the National Immunization Program (PNI) and the State Immunization Plan (PEI).
The secretariat further explained that the municipality continuously redistributes vaccine inventory among UBS units across different regions to maintain consistent supply to the population. They are also awaiting the delivery of new vaccine doses from the State Department of Health (SES).The São Paulo state government reported receiving 154,000 doses of the immunizer from the Ministry of Health on June 9, of which 43% were allocated to the city of São Paulo.The state noted that the suggestion for the “zero dose” for children aged 6 to 11 months is specifically for regions in Greater São Paulo, the Campinas Metropolitan Region, and Baixada Santista, as per a PNI technical note.
“According to the federal agency, a new shipment of the immunizer to the state of São Paulo is scheduled for next week,” stated SES.The Ministry of Health was contacted for comment regarding the measles vaccine shortage in São Paulo but had not responded by the time of publication.
Understanding Measles vaccination Schedules
Health experts emphasize that the “zero dose” is a preliminary measure and does not substitute the routine vaccination schedule. The standard immunization against measles requires two doses: the viral double, which protects against rubella and measles, and the triple viral, which also provides protection against mumps. These doses are typically administered at 12 and 15 months of age.
Specialists consulted by Folha explained that the “zero dose” is not a replacement for the calendar doses because infants at this age may still possess maternal antibodies acquired during pregnancy. These antibodies can possibly interfere with the vaccine’s efficacy,hindering its ability to stimulate a robust immune response.
Epidemiological Context: Resurgence of Measles
Brazil has recently seen a resurgence of indigenous measles cases, marking the first internal transmission in nearly three years. In March, two cases were reported in São João de Meriti, rio de Janeiro, followed by the first case registered in São Paulo in April.Despite these domestic cases, Brazil’s status as a country free from the circulation of measles viruses, rubella, and congenital rubella syndrome, certified by the Pan American Health Association (PAHO) in November 2024, remains unaffected. This certification is a significant achievement, especially considering Brazil lost its previous certification in 2018 due to the reintroduction of the virus and subsequent outbreaks. The current situation underscores the critical importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent further spread and protect public health.