Covid-19 and its impact on immunization programs: reflections from Brazil

Authors

  • Camila Carvalho de Souza Amorim Matos Universidade de São Paulo
  • Carolina Luísa Alves Barbieri Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
  • Marcia Thereza Couto Universidade de São Paulo

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11606/s1518-8787.2020054003042

Keywords:

Coronavirus Infections, Immunization, Immunization Programs, Unified Health System, Health Care Systems

Abstract

Due to social distancing guidelines and the displacement of both human and material resources to fight the covid-19 pandemic, individuals seeking healthcare services face certain challenges. Immunization programs have already been a worrisome topic for health authorities due to declines in vaccine uptake rates and are now especially affected by the covid-19 pandemic. Disbelief in science, dissemination of fake news about vaccines, socioeconomic vulnerability and social inequality are some of the challenges faced. This commentary article discusses the impacts of the covid-19 pandemic on immunization programs in Brazil. In light of advances (and notability) of Brazil’s national immunization program, established in the 1970s, the programs face challenges, such as the recent drop in vaccine uptake rates. In addition to this health crisis, there is also Brazil’s current political crisis, which will undoubtedly require assistance from researchers, policymakers and society to be fixed.

Author Biographies

  • Camila Carvalho de Souza Amorim Matos, Universidade de São Paulo

    Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Departamento de Medicina Preventiva. São Paulo, SP, Brasil

  • Carolina Luísa Alves Barbieri, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina

    Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina. Departamento de Ciências da Saúde. Araranguá, SC, Brasil

  • Marcia Thereza Couto, Universidade de São Paulo

    Universidade de São Paulo. Faculdade de Medicina. Departamento de Medicina Preventiva. São Paulo, SP, Brasil

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Published

2020-12-15

Issue

Section

Commentary

How to Cite

Covid-19 and its impact on immunization programs: reflections from Brazil. (2020). Revista De Saúde Pública, 54, 114. https://doi.org/10.11606/s1518-8787.2020054003042