Conhecimento sobre vacinação infantil entre os Agentes Comunitários de Saúde Ribeirinhos em um município do interior do Amazonas

Abstract

It is extremely important for Community Health Agents (CHAs) to have knowledge about the National Immunization Program (PNI), understanding how the vaccination schedule works and the vaccines included in it. The study aimed to assess the knowledge of riverside CHAs in the municipality of Coari - AM regarding the childhood vaccination schedule. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, and quantitative study conducted with 101 CHAs working in more than 130 riverside communities, between April 2023 and April 2024. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire divided into three sections, with a focus on Section C, which addressed Knowledge XIV – Vaccination. The results revealed that although all professionals acknowledged their responsibilities related to childhood vaccination, there were still significant gaps in their knowledge of the vaccination schedule. Most CHAs felt confident in guiding families about vaccines, but 11.9% reported feeling insecure, and 19.8% stated they had never received training on the subject. Frequent errors were observed with less common vaccines, such as Rotavirus, MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella), and Yellow Fever, indicating confusion about the appropriate age for administration and the composition of the immunizations. It was concluded that, although CHAs played a fundamental role in promoting childhood vaccination, the lack of ongoing training and technical support compromised the quality of the guidance provided to the population. Therefore, the need for investments in continuing education was emphasized, using participatory methodologies adapted to the riverside reality. The continuous training of these professionals proved to be essential for increasing vaccination coverage and ensuring the right to health for the most vulnerable populations in the country