São Paulo aims to immunize 2,4 million children against polio.
According to the State Health Department, 11,2 vaccination points against polio (infantile paralysis) will be available from 8 am to 17 pm, including the vaccination rooms at the Tietê and Barra Funda bus stations, next Saturday.
Flavia Albuquerque
Reporter from Agência Brasil
São Paulo - Approximately 2,4 million children are expected to be immunized against polio (infantile paralysis) next Saturday (8), according to the São Paulo State Health Department. This number is equivalent to 95% of the 2,5 million children between 6 months and 5 years old. According to the department, 11,2 points will be available from 8 am to 17 pm, including the vaccination rooms at the Tietê and Barra Funda bus stations.
The state has not recorded any cases of polio since 1988, but vaccination is important because the virus is still circulating in some countries in Africa and Asia, according to the health department. Parents who bring their children's vaccination records will also be able to update doses of other vaccines.
The two drops in the child's mouth are the only way to prevent polio. The symptoms of the disease are fever, malaise, headache – and can lead to paralysis. There are no known side effects from the vaccine.
Edited by: Talita Cavalcante