Pentavalent vaccine shortage crisis of 2019: temporal implications and 2020 impacts

Abstract

The shortage of the pentavalent vaccine in Brazil in 2019 had significant impacts on public health, as the country depends on purchasing the vaccine through the Strategic Fund of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). This study aimed to analyze the consequences of this shortage on the National Immunization Program (PNI) and how the Covid-19 pandemic affected the resumption of vaccination. The exploratory and descriptive research utilized data from the Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) and ministerial documents to investigate the issue. In January 2019, there was a peak in vaccine administration, with around 800,000 doses applied. However, the second half of the year saw a sharp decline due to vaccine shortages. Additionally, the arrival of the pandemic in March 2020 worsened the situation, leading to a stabilization of vaccine administration at significantly lower numbers compared to previous years, with the lowest number recorded in May 2020. The study highlights the need to discuss the PNI’s capacity to ensure a continuous vaccine supply and explore alternatives to achieve self-sufficiency. Furthermore, it emphasizes the crucial role of the Unified Health System (SUS) in protecting the population, particularly in a global public health crisis like the Covid-19 pandemic.