Municipal strategies in the vaccine campaign against COVID-19 in a state in the Brazilian Northeast

Abstract

Objective: To analyze strategies carried out by municipalities in Maranhão during the vaccination campaign against COVID-19. Methods: This is an observational study of municipal households, of the ecological type, carried out from June to August 2021; information obtained through an electronic form via Google Forms®. Spearman's correlation test (rho) was used to verify the degree of relationship between continuous variables HDI-M, eSF coverage and other variables. For comparison between categorical variables, the chi-square test (X2) was used; Kruskal-Wallis test to compare continuous variables in macro-regions. Results: 198 municipalities (91.2%) participated in the survey. There was a negative correlation between HDI-M and eSF coverage; eSF coverage and communication for vaccination of priority groups; positive correlation between HDI-M and means of communication in the campaign (p<0.001). The South macro-region had a concentration of municipalities with the highest HDI-M (p=0.006); higher proportion of computers in the vaccine room and satisfaction with the internet (p<0.001). Conclusion: There was an influence of the HDI-M on the variation of the macro-regions in strategies that require logistics. Municipalities with lower HDI have greater eSF coverage, with less use of means of communication. Investing in communication strategies and logistical support can contribute to effective vaccine campaigns.