NOT VACCINATING IS A COLLECTIVE RISK - THE REASONS AND CONSEQUENCES OF THE DROP IN CHILD IMMUNIZATION IN BRAZIL: FAKE NEWS PLAYS A LEADING ROLE

Abstract

In recent years, Brazil has recorded alarmingly low rates of childhood vaccination, a scenario that calls for urgent analysis of the causes and consequences of this trend. Among the main factors are barriers to accessing health facilities, especially in peripheral and rural regions, where infrastructure is precarious. Another aggravating factor is the false sense of security generated by the historical eradication of diseases such as polio and measles, leading many parents to underestimate the importance of immunization. In addition, the spread of fake news about the supposed adverse effects of vaccines has discouraged families from following the vaccination schedule. The consequences of this low coverage are serious. Individually, children are exposed to preventable diseases such as diphtheria and pertussis, which can lead to severe complications or even death. Collectively, the risk of outbreaks and epidemics increases, as has already been seen with the resurgence of measles in 2018. The drop in immunization also threatens group protection, which is essential to protect babies and the immunosuppressed. Faced with this scenario, it is essential to combat misinformation, improve access to health services and reinforce awareness campaigns. Vaccination is not just an individual act, but a social commitment to preserve public health and prevent the return of controlled diseases.