Hesitação vacinal e o retorno de doenças erradicadas: uma revisão bibliográfica narrativa

Abstract

Vaccine hesitancy represents a growing challenge for public health in Brazil, directly affecting vaccination coverage and contributing to the resurgence of previously controlled diseases such as measles. This study presents a narrative literature review based on publications from 2020 to 2025, aiming to analyze the determinants of vaccine hesitancy and its consequences for the national epidemiological scenario. The results indicate that digital misinformation, reduced risk perception, distrust in institutions, cultural beliefs, and barriers to accessing health services are among the main factors that hinder adherence to vaccination. It was also observed that declining coverage compromises herd immunity, increasing hospitalizations, mortality, and costs for the Brazilian Unified Health System. The strategies identified to address this phenomenon include educational actions, clear communication, the use of digital technologies, the strengthening of public policies, and the promotion of bonds between services and communities. In this context, nursing plays a crucial role through qualified listening, active guidance, follow-up of missed vaccinations, and the implementation of educational practices within Primary Health Care. It is concluded that vaccine hesitancy is a multifactorial phenomenon that requires continuous and intersectoral responses based on reliable information and strategies that strengthen public trust in the National Immunization Program.