2026 World Cup: Essential Health and Vaccination Tips for Kids
Families traveling to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada should prioritize updated vaccinations, specifically for measles, influenza, and pneumococcal diseases. Due to current measles outbreaks in host countries and high-density crowds in stadiums and airports, health experts emphasize immunization and strict hygiene to prevent respiratory and foodborne illnesses.
Why are vaccinations critical for the 2026 World Cup?
The United States, Mexico, and Canada are currently facing measles outbreaks, making vaccine updates essential for both children and adults. According to the National Immunization Program (PNI), the Ministry of Health recommends two doses of the measles vaccine.
Children typically receive the first dose at 12 months via the triple viral vaccine (protecting against measles, mumps, and rubella) and a second dose at 15 months with the tetraviral vaccine, which adds varicella protection. If the tetraviral option is unavailable, the second dose is administered as a triple viral vaccine combined with a monovalent varicella shot.
Age-specific requirements vary. Individuals aged 1 to 29 need two doses of the triple viral vaccine, while adults aged 30 to 59 require at least one. Health professionals must prove they have received two doses regardless of their age.
In outbreak situations, infants between 6 and 11 months may receive a “dose zero.” This preventative application does not replace the standard doses required by the vaccination calendar.
Did You Know? Starting in the second half of June, the SUS will introduce the pneumococcal 20 vaccine, which protects against 20 serotypes of the Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria and will gradually replace the pneumo 10, pneumo 13, and polysaccharide 23 vaccines.
Which other respiratory protections are recommended?
While summer in the Northern Hemisphere begins in late June, the influenza virus circulates outside of typical seasonal windows. Consequently, parents are encouraged to immunize their children against the flu. In some Brazilian municipalities, such as São Paulo, this vaccination has been extended to everyone over six months of age.
Eduardo Jorge da Fonseca Lima, president of the scientific department of immunizations of the Brazilian Society of Pediatrics, highlights the importance of the vaccine against the pneumococcus bacteria. He notes that Streptococcus pneumoniae is currently a primary cause of pneumonia, meningitis, sinusitis, and otitis.
Because of the massive movement of people in airports, planes, and stadiums, protection against respiratory diseases is vital. Lima specifically urges parents of children between 6 months and 5 years old to ensure they are vaccinated against Covid.
Under the SUS, the pneumo 10 (VPC10) vaccine is administered at 2 and 4 months, with a booster at 12 months. Premature babies (born before 37 weeks) have access to the pneumococcal conjugate 20-valent (VPC20) vaccine via Cries for special groups until 23 months of age.
In the private sector, children receive pneumo 10 doses at 2, 4, and 6 months, with a booster between 12 and 15 months. Any child under five who is not vaccinated should update their records immediately.
Expert Insight: Samantha Carter suggests that the intersection of international transit hubs and massive sporting events creates a high-risk environment for rapid viral transmission. The shift toward broader vaccine coverage, such as the VPC20, reflects a necessary adaptation to protect vulnerable populations in these high-density scenarios.
How can travelers manage heat and food safety?
Intense heat is predicted for the World Cup host countries. Travelers should prioritize hydration, wear light clothing, and spend as much time as possible in open-air environments.
Hand washing remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the transmission of bacteria and viruses. Eduardo Jorge da Fonseca Lima recommends reinforcing this habit and using masks if a child or a close contact is experiencing respiratory symptoms.
Dietary choices in crowds also carry risks. Lima warns that mayonnaise is a “forbidden food” in large gatherings with high temperatures due to the risk of Salmonella contamination. He suggests carrying fruit, such as apples or bananas, for children instead.
What may happen next?
As the tournament approaches, health authorities may increase the availability of the pneumococcal 20 vaccine to broader groups. This could include indigenous people over five without vaccination history, bedridden elderly individuals aged 60 or older, and those with special clinical conditions.
Travelers from São Paulo may continue to utilize UBS units from Monday to Friday (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) or AMAs on Saturdays and holidays to finalize their health preparations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the recommended measles vaccine schedule for children?
The first dose is the triple viral vaccine at 12 months, and the second is the tetraviral vaccine at 15 months. If the tetraviral is unavailable, a triple viral dose and a monovalent varicella shot are used.
Why is mayonnaise discouraged during the event?
Due to high temperatures and large crowds, there is an increased risk of Salmonella contamination in mayonnaise.
Who can receive the new Pneumococcal 20 vaccine through the SUS?
It is available for children under five, indigenous people over five without a vaccination history, bedridden elderly people aged 60+, and individuals with special clinical conditions treated at Cries.
Are you and your family fully updated on your vaccinations before your next big international trip?