Vaccine Hesitancy among Family Members of Children in a Municipality in Amapá, Brazil

Lizandra Leal de Sousa, Luzilena de Sousa Prudêncio, Tatiana do Socorro dos Santos Calandrini, Nelma Nunes da Silva, Rubens Alex de Oliveira Menezes5, Nely Dayse Santos da Mata

Abstract

Vaccination is one of the fundamental methods for preventing communicable diseases worldwide and is widely associated with reducing the infant mortality rate in Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this research is to analyze the low vaccination coverage in children under five years of age based on the main difficulties reported by family members. This is an exploratory research with a qualitative approach carried out in Tartarugalzinho, a municipality located in the northern region of the state of Amapá/Brazil. Interviews were conducted with 20 mothers and/or guardians of children under five years of age in the municipality. After categorical analysis, two categories emerged: a) lack of knowledge about vaccination; b) Factors that influence vaccination. It was concluded that the participants interviewed demonstrated shallow knowledge about the importance of the childhood vaccination schedule and lack of knowledge about the benefits of vaccination for their children. Targeting public policies in vulnerable regions, where socioeconomic inequalities and difficulties in accessing services prevail, is essential in strengthening and providing comprehensive qualified care to users, families and communities, in addition to contributing to expanding vaccination coverage.

 

Published
2024-12-04