THE IMPACT OF IMMUNIZATION ON MEASLES ERADICATION AND THE INCIDENCE OF EPIDEMIOLOGICAL OUTBREAKS IN BRAZIL IN 2025

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the impact of immunization on measles control and elimination by relating vaccination coverage to the incidence of epidemiological outbreaks in Brazil, with emphasis on the scenario observed in 2025. This is a descriptive, retrospective epidemiological study with a quantitative approach based on secondary data from official health surveillance and immunization systems, considering records from 2020 to 2025. Information regarding confirmed cases, vaccination coverage, temporal distribution, and the occurrence of outbreaks was analyzed, with particular attention to the state of Tocantins. The data showed a significant reduction in cases after 2021, no confirmed cases in 2023, and the subsequent occurrence of new cases in 2024 and 2025. In 2025, the outbreak in the municipality of Campos Lindos, Tocantins, stood out, associated with the introduction of the virus following international travel and the presence of susceptible individuals. The findings reinforce that vaccination is the main strategy for interrupting measles transmission. It is concluded that maintaining high and homogeneous vaccination coverage, combined with continuous epidemiological surveillance, is essential to prevent new outbreaks and sustain measles elimination in Brazil.