Importance of vaccination against human papillomavirus in a rural settlement in Terenos, Mato Grosso do Sul

OBJECTIVE: To understand health professionals’ perceptions about vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) in the Santa Mônica rural settlement in Terenos, Mato Grosso do Sul. METHODS: Quantitative and qualitative methodologies, consultations on vaccination cards, records of community health agents and the focus group technique were used. The main factors of hesitation and vaccine refusal were analyzed, as well as the health team’s strategies for the process of immunization against HPV, from June to August 2018. RESULTS: Of 121 children and adolescents, 81 (66.94%) received the complete vaccination schedule. Complete vaccination coverage for women was 73.17% (60/82) and for men, 53.8% (21/39). It was observed that, although strategies are adopted for vaccine promotion, such as mobile actions, the public is resistant due to superficial knowledge about the vaccine and its use in an early age group, showing itself to be susceptible to the negative influence of the media and to society’s taboos. In addition, difficulties regarding the use of the Unified Health System card and the shortage of professionals were also observed. CONCLUSION: The results explain the immunization coverage below the target and reinforce the need to strengthen the family health strategy, as well as the permanent and continuing education of professionals, in order to increase parental confidence and adherence to vaccination.