EDUCATION AND IMMUNIZATION: THE SCHOOL AS A SPACE FOR PROMOTING VACCINATION AND AWARENESS IN COLLECTIVE HEALTH

Abstract

This study analyzes the role of public schools as strategic spaces for promoting vaccination and fostering critical awareness in public health within the contemporary Brazilian context. The research is grounded in the understanding that the recent decline in vaccination coverage is associated with multiple factors, including the spread of misinformation, the weakening of public trust in scientific and health institutions, and persistent inequalities in access to public policies. In this scenario, the study discusses the importance of strengthening the relationship between education and health as a way to reinforce the culture of immunization and expand social understanding of the collective dimension of vaccination. Methodologically, the research is characterized as a theoretical analysis based on academic literature, institutional documents, and public policies related to health and education. The findings indicate that schools, by promoting educational practices focused on scientific literacy and civic engagement, can contribute to combating misinformation and strengthening preventive health actions. The study concludes that integrating education and health is essential to promote collective care policies and to foster more informed, supportive, and socially responsible communities.