CHILDHOOD VACCINATION COVERAGE WITH THE MMR IMMUNIZER: DATA ANALYSIS

Abstract

The vaccination coverage of the child population is fundamental for the prevention of various immunological diseases, reducing mortality within this risk group, as well as promoting herd immunity through widespread vaccination coverage. It is an established fact that the importance of the vaccination schedule is essential for maintaining acceptable status levels regarding preventable diseases. However, in 2019, the year when the COVID-19 pandemic began, a decline in the rates of certain immunizations was observed in Brazil, including the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine. It is important to note that the pandemic had a massive impact on the vaccination coverage provided by primary health care. Nevertheless, it is well known that non-adherence to immunizations generally has multifactorial causes, such as the widespread dissemination of misinformation about vaccines, the population's own hesitancy due to personal reasons, logistical and access difficulties, and the influence of the State in addressing issues related to the topic. Therefore, it is not possible to attribute the negative outcomes solely to the occurrence of the pandemic. Thus, this article seeks to analyze the reasons for the aforementioned decline, examining whether the rates were already decreasing prior to the pandemic, or if the pandemic was the main cause of non-adherence. This discussion is relevant, as the consequence has been the viral reintroduction in Brazil and the corresponding loss of the eradication certificate. Considering the risks posed by sustained declines in vaccination coverage, it is essential that both the State and the population become aware of the need to implement strategic measures to improve this situation.