Overview of childhood immunization in Brazil, a focus on the state of Paraíba

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the childhood vaccination profile in Brazil, with an emphasis on Paraíba and the cities of Campina Grande and João Pessoa. Methods: The research, of an ecological, documentary and descriptive nature, used data from DATASUS collected between May and December 2024, with a quantitative approach and statistical analysis. Results: In Brazil, the MMR vaccine D1 had the highest coverage, while the varicella vaccine had the lowest uptake. In Paraíba, the MMR vaccine D1 also led, while the yellow fever vaccine had the lowest coverage. In Campina Grande and João Pessoa, vaccination rates were lower between 2020 and 2022, a period marked by the Covid-19 pandemic. Although some vaccines achieved good coverage, few reached the PNI goals. Conclusion: The results highlight the need for strategies such as educational campaigns and training of health professionals to increase vaccination coverage and address vaccine hesitancy. The "Vacina Mais Paraíba" program demonstrated that structured and collaborative actions, involving governments and the population, are essential to increase immunization rates and protect children's health.