The Brazilian Health Ministry will extend eligibility for booster shots to adults aged 18 to 59. So far, only senior citizens, health workers, and patients with pre-existing conditions could receive third vaccine doses. Now, a total of 158 million people will be eligible for boosters.
Moreover, the government decided to shorten the interval between second and third doses from six to five months. The Health Ministry’s vaccination plan for 2022 includes 354 million shots — including third doses for adults up to 60 years old and a fourth for senior citizens.
Brazil expects to receive 111.2 million doses by December, mostly from AstraZeneca. Experts also hope regulators will greenlight vaccines for use on children under 12 years old.
Last week, Brazil passed the U.S. in terms of its percentage of fully vaccinated citizens — 60 against 58 percent. With a decline in vaccine rollouts in the U.S., state governments are offering incentives for coronavirus shots for children, just as they did for adults earlier in the year. These rewards range from gift cards to scholarships.
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