Analysis of polio vaccination coverage (4 years) in the State of Pernambuco between 2019 and 2022

Abstract

Poliomyelitis is an acute contagious disease caused by wild poliovirus, capable of causing flaccid paralysis in children and adults. In Brazil, there have been no records of cases of the disease since 1990, given that it has one of the largest global immunization programs, applying around 100 million doses annually. However, a progressive drop in adherence is currently identified. Therefore, the objective is to analyze polio vaccination coverage (4 years) in the state of Pernambuco, between 2019 and 2022, and discuss possible factors that may have influenced adherence. From a descriptive observational approach, data from DATASUS were used, together with information offered in the literature. For the state of Pernambuco, the values ​​obtained demonstrated a significant fluctuation, presenting values ​​of 57.10% for 2019, which fell to 54.39% in 2020 and reached its lowest point in 2021, with just 41.87%. In 2022, there was a recovery to 60.08%. This drop may be related to influences from the recent pandemic period, as well as the growth of anti-vaccine movements, with denialist speeches strengthened in conjunction with the dissemination of false information on the topic. Therefore, strategies to combat misinformation and improve access are essential.