The vaccine saves lives.

In 1904, Brazil experienced what became known as the Vaccine Revolt. To combat yellow fever, bubonic plague, and smallpox, the Director General of Public Health, sanitary physician Oswaldo Cruz, made vaccination mandatory for the population. This measure was accompanied by the requirement of proof of vaccination for school enrollment, employment, travel, lodging, and marriage. Disobedience was punished with fines.

For moral and political reasons, sectors of society rebelled against the sanitary measure through barricades, bonfires, and acts of vandalism, leading to the arrest of a thousand people, 30 deaths, and several deportations. At that time, it was even argued that vaccination was an invasion of bodies and that the State's actions could not exceed the limits of personal honor.

Now, after one hundred and twenty years, we still witness anti-scientific and denialist demonstrations that disregard technology and put lives at risk, out of ignorance, irresponsible convictions, or political opposition. Delusions such as the claim that the Covid vaccine contains a plasma-shaped chip to control the mind are irresponsibly reproduced.

Vaccines are a safe and extremely effective way to strengthen our immunity against a huge number of infectious diseases. During the Covid pandemic, we saw that vaccination was the most effective action in reducing hospitalization and death rates. 

While some prophetically advocated for herd immunity, claiming that only contagion could produce antibodies against the virus—just a mild flu—we saw that it was truly the vaccine that interrupted the cycle of suffering for families worldwide.

The vaccine prevents polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and hepatitis. Smallpox, for example, was eradicated globally in the 80s through mass immunization. Polio itself is nearing eradication thanks to the vaccine. The vaccine is effective against influenza pandemics, such as H1N1, and more recently, dengue fever. And the HPV vaccine for young people is already showing incredible results in reducing cervical cancer. The National Immunization Schedule, with 19 vaccines from childhood onwards, strengthens the health of several generations, prevents infant mortality, and builds a more resilient and healthy society.

The Lula government revived Brazil's National Immunization Program, the largest in the world, with 48 different immunobiologicals for the entire population, from children to the elderly. Today, there is epidemiological surveillance, regular and permanent stock replenishment, and coverage of the national territory with vaccines recommended by the World Health Organization, focusing on the protection of children, the elderly, and vulnerable populations.

The requirement of a vaccination card as a condition for receiving Bolsa Família (a Brazilian social welfare program) was another action directly responsible for reducing infant mortality from malnutrition, diarrhea, and respiratory diseases, with positive effects such as increased weight and height. Scientific data shows that vaccination significantly improves people's lives.

We can say that the vaccine has won. Today we have an indispensable tool at our disposal for human health, the result of scientific development and the production of knowledge in defense of life.

The name Oswaldo Cruz was given to the Foundation linked to the Ministry of Health that promotes scientific and technological knowledge of immunizations, public campaigns against misinformation, and produces innovation, services, and supplies for the promotion of public health. Fiocruz Manguinhos, as it is known, has already produced 130 million doses of vaccine for Brazil and supplies 60 countries with immunizations.

But this work doesn't end here. We need to denounce those who irresponsibly play with public health, producing misinformation and misleading society about the importance of the vaccine. The collective right to public health is greater than the moral convictions of this or that individual. A person infected with the disease is an agent of contamination for other people. We are all affected. Therefore, boycotting the vaccine morally or politically is to threaten and endanger society as a whole. 

In the 21st century, characterized by accumulated knowledge and science, we need the maturity and social awareness to understand that the health of each individual protects the health of all. That's why Zé Gotinha (the mascot for the vaccination campaign) is back, and with his joy and enthusiasm, we will continue on the safe, educational, and healthy path of immunization. Regression is unacceptable. We will not take a single step backward.