The article highlights the risks of respiratory infections during Carnaval in Brazil due to increased movement and gatherings of people. According to Evaldo Stanislau de Araújo, an infectious disease specialist at Hospital das Clínicas in São Paulo, it is vital for Brazilian citizens, especially those over six months old, to keep up-to-date with vaccinations for influenza and COVID-19. These vaccines are crucial in preventing severe cases that could lead to hospitalizations and fatalities.

Moreover, the article mentions that pregnant women in their 28th week of pregnancy can receive the immunization against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which is a significant cause of bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children under two years old. This recommendation extends to protecting infants, thus emphasizing the need for vaccination during this hectic period when the circulation of respiratory viruses is heightened.

To mitigate the health risks associated with the festive season, health experts encourage individuals to get vaccinated regardless of whether the available influenza vaccine is outdated. This proactive approach is particularly important as many tourists gather during Carnival, raising the potential for virus transmission, and getting vaccinated can offer an additional layer of protection against new viral strains.