The measles vaccine for children aged 6 months to 11 months and 29 days, called dose zero, is available in the public health system in Foz do Iguaçu. Transmission of the disease has been increasing in the Americas, with 11 times more cases compared to last year.
The doses have been administered since Monday, the 16th, and follow Technical Note No. 63/2025 from the Ministry of Health. The vaccine is important to reinforce the protection of the child population in border municipalities with a large circulation of people, as is the case of Foz do Iguaçu.
The vaccine is preventive in nature and is aimed at the age group most vulnerable to severe forms of the disease.
Vaccination is part of a national effort to prevent the reintroduction of measles in Brazil. The disease is highly contagious and can cause serious complications and death, especially in young children.
According to the Health Department, it is important to emphasize that the zero dose does not replace the vaccines provided for in the national immunization calendar, which must continue to be administered at 12 and 15 months of age, with a minimum interval of four weeks between doses.
“Although Brazil is certified as a measles-free area, the risk of reintroduction is real, especially in cities like Foz, with a large flow of tourists. The zero dose is a strategic response to protect our children,” says Adriana Ikuza, coordinator of the Municipal Immunization Program.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Health, up to the 23rd epidemiological week of 2025, 6.612 cases of measles were recorded in the Americas. The number is 11 times higher than in the same period in 2024.
The spread of the disease led the federal government to recommend measures to intensify vaccination in areas considered at risk.
Vaccines administered in the public network
The type of immunizer varies according to the child's age.
From 6 to 8 months and 29 days: receives the double viral vaccine (measles and rubella), administered according to the schedule defined by the Health Department.
From 9 to 11 months and 29 days: receives the triple viral vaccine (measles, mumps and rubella), available in all health units in the municipality.
In cases of cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA), there is specific guidance regarding the type of vaccine to be used.
Double viral vaccine schedule
Due to the limited number of doses of the double viral vaccine, the application for children aged 6 to 8 months is being done in a staggered manner. Check the units and days of service:
- Mondays: New City, Saint John, Profilurb II, Morumbi II and Vila Yolanda;
- Tuesdays: Curitibano, Sol de Maio, Morumbi II and Vila Yolanda;
- Wednesdays: Porto Belo, Three Flags, Carimã, Iguaçu Fields and Jardim América;
- Thursdays: Vila C Nova, Three Lagoons, Morumbi III and Maracanã;
- Fridays: AKLP, Golden Lagoon, Green Gold and Sao Paulo Garden.
The Municipal Health Department advises that parents or guardians bring the child's identification document, SUS card and vaccination booklet at the time of application.
The lack of any of these documents does not prevent immunization — the teams are prepared to receive and record the data correctly.
(With information from the Municipal News Agency)
