By Andrea Hargraves 
The SES (State Ministry of Health), through the Immunization Coordinator, is implementing, between October 14 and 18, a campaign to intensify vaccination in UNEIs (inpatient educational units) in the state. The initiative aims to ensure that adolescents who comply with social and educational measures that deprive them and restrict their freedom have access to the vaccines stipulated in the PNI (National Immunization Programme), as recommended by the ECA (Essential Act for Children and Adolescents).
Responsibility for the social and educational measures applied to young people in hospitals and temporary hospitalization lies with the SAS (Supervisory Authority for Social and Educational Assistance), linked to the SEJUSP (State Secretariat for Justice and Public Security). Mato Grosso do Sul currently has nine social and educational units, distributed across five municipalities: Campo Grande, Dorados, Tres Lagoas, Corumba and Ponta Porra. Vaccination will be conducted at these locations.
According to the SES Immunization Coordinator, Anna Paula Goldfinger, the vaccination strategy will be implemented in an intersectoral manner, with the participation of state and municipal immunization teams, the Adolescent Health Care Administration, and the Supervisory Body for State and Municipal Social and Educational Measures.
“The goal is to ensure full access to health care for hospitalized adolescents, including the provision of vaccines as a means of protection against vaccine-preventable diseases,” says Ana Paula.
The Coordinator also stressed the importance of promoting an equitable strategy that guarantees the right to health for all adolescents deprived of liberty in UN educational institutions. He stressed that “this measure reinforces the need for comprehensive measures targeting this vulnerable population.”
The campaign will follow PNI guidelines, respecting the vaccination schedule set for the younger age group. The following immunization agents will be offered:
- Human papilloma virus.
- Adult double (diphtheria and tetanus) – dT;
- Annual influenza (influenza);
- meningococcal conjugate ACWY or C;
- MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella);
- Dengue fever.
- anger;
- Hepatitis A, B, or A and B;
- yellow fever; and
- Covid-19.
This activity seeks to restore vaccination coverage for these adolescents, ensuring everyone is protected against vaccine-preventable diseases.
Camilla Rater, SES Communications
Photo: Saul Schramm