One More Time, Bolsonaro Attacks Childhood Vaccination and Anvisa (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency)

11-01-2022

Sofia Dolabela

America and Human Rights Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence.

In an interview for the television program “TV Nova Nordeste”, president Jair Bolsonaro accused the technicians of the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) of having hidden interests involving the release of the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, the president claimed to be unaware of cases of child deaths from COVID-19. However, data from the Ministry of Health show that 311 children between the ages of 5 and 11 have died from the disease since the beginning of the pandemic in March 2020. The tension between Anvisa and Bolsonaro intensified last month when the agency approved the use of Pfizer immunizer for children in this age group.

In response, the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics published a note of repudiation defending the importance of vaccination, further stating that denying access to the vaccine and discouraging parents from adhering to the immunization of their children is an irresponsible action. 

Sources and further reading:

Lopes, J. (2022, January 6). One more time, Bolsonaro attacks childhood vaccination and Anvisa. Folha de S. Paulo. Retrieved January 11,  2022, from https://www.cnnbrasil.com.br/politica/bolsonaro-volta-a-atacar-vacinacao-infantil-e-anvisa/