Vaccination against COVID-19, which began five years ago in Brazil, has led to the end of the pandemic—but the disease lingers on, albeit at much lower rates. For this reason, experts warn it is essential to inoculate those who have not been vaccinated as well as people at higher risk of developing severe symptoms.

In the country, coverage is still far from ideal. In 2025, of every 10 doses distributed by the Ministry of Health to states and municipalities, fewer than four were used. A total of 21.9 million vaccines were available, but only 8 million were administered.

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Data from the research center Fiocruz’s Infogripe platform, which monitors the occurrence of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), show the effects of this low coverage. In 2025, at least 10,410 people became seriously ill after infection with the coronavirus, with about 1,700 deaths. The figures refer only to cases confirmed by laboratory testing, and as some records are entered late into the ministry’s system, the 2025 figures may still increase.

Infogripe coordinator Leonardo Bastos notes that the coronavirus remains one of the most threatening respiratory viruses.

“COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. From time to time, we have outbreaks and constantly assess whether these outbreaks are growing, and whether they could turn into an epidemic. What we see today in terms of the number of cases and deaths is still appalling. But, as we have gone through a surreal period in the pandemic, what would be considered high ends up being normalized,” he argued.

Platform researcher Tatiana Portella adds that the virus has not yet shown any seasonality – unlike influenza, for example, which usually sees a surge in cases during the winter.

“We could have a new wave at any time with the emergence of a new variant, which may be more transmissible and infectious, and there is no way to predict when this new variant could emerge. That’s why it’s important for the people to always be up to date with their vaccination,” she said. 

Since 2024, the COVID-19 vaccine has been included in Brazil’s basic vaccination program for three groups – children, the elderly, and pregnant women. People with comorbidities and immunocompromised individuals have also been included.