Hesitação vacinal em ambulatório escola no Sul de Santa Catarina

Introduction: Vaccine hesitancy is the delay in accepting or refusing recommended vaccines. The World Health Organization recommends vaccine coverage around 95% to ensure the benefits of vaccination. Despite this, the hesitation to vaccinate is growing, which leaves part of the population susceptible to vaccine-preventable diseases and favors the resurgence of diseases already eradicated. The aim of the study was to identify vaccine hesitation and factors associated with it in school ambulatory in the south of Santa Catarina. Methods: observational prospective study conducted in a school ambulatory from october to december 2019. Results: The study consisted of 221 responsible for children and adolescents up to 16 years old. Despite the fact that all those responsible show that they vaccinate their children, 84.2% had an updated vaccination record. The prevalence of vaccine hesitation was 20.09% and the main reasons highlighted were the concern with adverse effects and the lack of security in their application. Regarding the intensity of the hesitation, 52.77% did not aplly only a recommended vaccine and 41.66% vaccinated, even if hesitating. Among those who already hesitated 65.62% did not immunize their children against the influenza virus. Conclusions: Although the majority vaccinate their children, the rate of hesitation found cannot be ignored and must be reversed. For this, it is necessary to develop programs and information campaigns to clarify the local population regarding the importance and benefits of vaccination. Keywords: Vaccine refusal, Vaccines, Vaccine coverage, Immunization programs, Health education.