NURSE’S CONTRIBUTIONS IN PROGRAM OF CHILDREN’S IMMUNIZATION IN PRIMARY CARE

Abstract

Childhood immunization constitutes one of the main public health strategies for preventing vaccine-preventable diseases and reducing morbidity and mortality during childhood. However, the decline in vaccination coverage observed in recent years in Brazil has raised concerns among health managers and professionals, particularly in light of increasing vaccine hesitancy, the spread of misinformation, and inequalities in access to healthcare services. In this context, the role of nurses in Primary Health Care stands out as essential for strengthening childhood vaccination strategies. The present study aimed to investigate the contributions of nurses to the planning, implementation, and monitoring of childhood immunization actions within the National Immunization Program, seeking to understand their impact on vaccination coverage and the prevention of infectious diseases during childhood. This study consists of a descriptive bibliographic review with a qualitative approach, conducted through searches in the LILACS, MEDLINE, BDENF, and Google Scholar databases. Articles published between 2020 and 2025 in Portuguese that addressed nursing practice and factors related to childhood vaccination were included. The findings demonstrated that nurses play a strategic role in organizing immunization activities, monitoring vaccination indicators, providing health education, conducting active searches for children with delayed vaccinations, and combating vaccine-related misinformation. Educational interventions developed by these professionals strengthen families' trust, promote adherence to vaccination schedules, and contribute to the recovery of vaccination coverage rates. It is concluded that the role of nurses is indispensable for strengthening the National Immunization Program, contributing to the expansion of childhood vaccination coverage, the prevention of vaccine-preventable diseases, and the promotion of collective health.