Strategies for the improvement of pediatric vaccination: an analysis based on the perception of parents and guardians
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17267/2317-3378rec.2026.e6909Keywords:
Vaccination, Vaccine Hesitancy, Primary Health Care, Health Communication, ImmunizationAbstract
OBJECTIVE: To analyze strategies for improving childhood vaccination based on the perceptions of parents and/or guardians within the context of Primary Health Care. METHODS: This is a qualitative study conducted with 38 parents and/or caregivers of children up to two years old, carried out in five Family Health Units. Information obtained from focus groups was subjected to Thematic Content Analysis. The vaccine hesitancy framework supported the study, guiding the interpretation of participants’ experiences and underpinning practical interventions. RESULTS: Two thematic categories emerged: communication strategies and service strategies and intersectoral practices. The importance of combining social media and traditional channels to expand campaign reach was highlighted, as well as the need for clear communication by professionals, the guiding role of the healthcare team, the usefulness of the Child's Health Handbook (Caderneta da Criança), and the effectiveness of intersectoral actions. CONCLUSION: Strategies for improving childhood vaccination focus on comprehensive restructuring of health communication, combining digital and traditional media to rebuild public trust, and reorienting services. The proactive role of the healthcare team, the use of the Child's Health Handbook as an important educational tool, and the strengthening of operational intersectoral actions to mitigate barriers related to vaccine hesitancy are emphasized.
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Copyright (c) 2026 João Victor Rodrigues Tamura Borges, Patricia de Lima Lemos, Lucas Leoar Lima de Freitas, Matheus Rodrigues da Cruz, Julya dos Santos Dall Anora Cuchi, Lorena Araujo Ribeiro Gonçalves
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
