VACCINE HESITANCY AMONG CHILDREN IN BRAZIL: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

This article aimed to analyze the causes of vaccine hesitancy among children in Brazil, focusing on identifying the main social and cultural factors associated with childhood vaccine hesitancy in the country. This was an integrative literature review using qualitative-descriptive methods, with data collected from PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, ScienceDirect, and LILACS. The inclusion criteria were based on the analysis of studies related to the topic, published within the last five years, in English, Portuguese, or Spanish, with full-text access and conducted in Brazil. Health Sciences Descriptors (DeCS) were used to perform the searches. The results show that childhood vaccine hesitancy in Brazil is a multifactorial phenomenon associated with social, cultural, behavioral, and structural factors. These factors include misinformation, concerns about adverse effects, beliefs, trust in health institutions and professionals, socioeconomic conditions, and barriers to access. Delays in vaccination may also result from missed opportunities and difficulties in the organization of health services. Therefore, addressing the decline in vaccination coverage requires integrated strategies involving health education, receptive communication, professional training, strengthening relationships with families, and improving access to immunization services.