Brazil's local vaccine production aims for autonomy

Significance

Priority groups -- including health professionals, indigenous people, the elderly and those with co-morbidities, teachers, security and prison staff, prisoners and the homeless -- represent 36% of the population and are only expected to be fully vaccinated by September.

Impacts

• Studies reveal that vaccination is already contributing to reduced mortality, but many high-risk groups remain unvaccinated.
• Slow vaccine roll-outs will extend the severe strain on the public health system.
• Technological gains being made by Fiocruz and Butantan will contribute to Brazil’s health security in the long term.