Not long ago, the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) conducted a survey to find out the reasons that led Brazilians to move away from vaccines. This “anti-vaccination” movement has been spreading around the world for some years and it has caused damage, as even during the most critical moments of pandemic of Covid-19, many people refused to receive the doses of the immunizer.
Have Brazilians turned against vaccines?
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As analyzed by the researchers, the most influential reasons for people to move away from vaccines offered by the Unified Health System (SUS) were: misinformation, influence of religious leaders and the fear.
Disinformation and the influence of religious leaders are intertwined in several ways, as several of these leaders share untrue information, guiding their followers to go against the application of the doses. Another important factor is the spread of conspiracy theories against the companies that produce immunizers.
Another relevant factor for the fear of vaccines is the wrong or intentionally misleading information shared on the networks. Sometimes even passed on by important members of the executive.
As for fear, 72.8% of survey participants said they feared the side effects of vaccines. This is the main point that led many to not get vaccinated. Another item mentioned was the fear of needles.
About 37.6% of participants said they are afraid of needles, thus avoiding vaccination.
The good news is that Brazilians' confidence in immunizers is still high, as more than 98% of respondents still consider vaccines important for their own health. 92% recognize that all vaccines recommended by SUS are beneficial.
That study was commissioned by the National Council of Municipal Health Secretaries (Conasems), using the testimonies and interviews of 2,235 participants. The survey was carried out between September and October 2021 and in all regions of the Brazilian territory.
It is increasingly necessary to emphasize the importance of vaccines, especially in babies and children, since they can promote a healthier and longer life for people.
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