CHILDHOOD VACCINATION:

The impact of health education on vaccination coverage

Abstract

Misinformation about vaccination, the rise of the anti-vaccine movement, and distrust in medical institutions have generated serious consequences for public health, including the return of previously eradicated diseases such as measles and poliomyelitis. Accordingly, this study aims to analyze the impact of health education on vaccination coverage through a literature review. The research was conducted through a search in scientific databases such as Google Scholar and SciELO, selecting articles published between 2021 and 2025 that address the relationship between health education and childhood vaccination. Twenty-six studies were analyzed, highlighting that vaccine hesitancy—associated with social, cultural, and political factors—contributes to declining immunization rates. In this sense, the literature review shows that childhood vaccination is essential for preventing immunopreventable diseases and protecting collective health, but it faces significant challenges in Brazil, such as vaccine hesitancy driven by misinformation, anti-vaccine movements, social inequalities, and denialist discourses. These factors have directly impacted vaccination coverage, increasing the risk of the return of previously eradicated diseases. In this context, health education, the strategic role of healthcare professionals, and the implementation of effective public policies are identified as key elements to reverse this scenario and promote adherence to immunization. Finally, it was found that effective public communication policies and family health education are essential to increase adherence to vaccines, combat misinformation, and foster trust in vaccination campaigns.