VACCINATION POLICIES AND THE RE-EMERGENCY OF POLIOMYELITIS AND MEASLES IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccionation is a preventive action to reduce morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases in chlidhood. Data from the Ministry of Health show that childhood immunization rates have reached the lowest levels in recent years. Measles and poliomyelitis are viral diseases prevalent in childhood, which can be prevented with vaccination, and are at risk of manifesting reemergence in the country. Objective: To analyze vaccination policies and the causes responsible for the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases in childhood, such as polio and measles in Brazil. Method: This is a qualitative, exploratory study through a bibliographical review, considering publications researched in electronic databases such as Scielo, Medline, PAHO and Scholar, among others, in, using the search descriptors: “Immune-preventable diseases”, Vaccination”, “Immunization”, “Reemergence”, “Measles” and “Polio”. Results: the results indicate that, currently, there are major challenges for public health in facing reemerging vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and poliomyelitis in the country, especially related to the reduction of vaccination coverage rates and the growth of anti-vaccination movements, such as the resurgence of increased spread of viruses and bacteria, due to sociopolitical contexts in today’s world. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that it is necessary for the communicable disease control and surveillance agencies in Brazil to reinforce epidemiology and control actions, in immunization coverage in the hospital environment and in primary care.

Keywords: Childhood illnesses; Child immunization; Viral Diseases.