Since the creation of the National Immunization Program (PNI) in 1973, Brazil has achieved significant progress in the control and eradication of diseases. However, the growing trend of vaccine distrust in the country, also observed in other regions, has become a matter of substantial concern. Vaccination coverage has shown progressive declines since 2012, worsened in 2016 and intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic, which negatively affected vaccine uptake. Considering the role of medical schools in adequately training new professionals to discuss and intervene in this area, the present study aimed to assess the knowledge of medical interns at the Universidade Federal de Juiz de Fora, Governador Valadares campus, regarding immunizations. Qualitative observational study in which data collection was carried out via an online questionnaire. The form contained 14 statements of varying levels of difficulty related to vaccination, with true or false answer options. Results were categorized according to the percentage of correct answers as unsatisfactory (up to 60%), regular (61%–80%), and satisfactory (above 80%). All participants agreed to participate by accepting the electronic Informed Consent Form. A total of 74 responses were obtained. Approximately 1.35% were classified as unsatisfactory, 72.9% as regular, and 25.6% as satisfactory. The statement with the highest error rate (33.8%) addressed vaccine contraindications in pregnant women, whereas the statements with the highest correct response rate (100%) addressed adverse events, the relationship between vaccines and autism, vaccine efficacy, and booster doses. A certain degree of knowledge gap among students on this topic is evident. Despite the low percentage of unsatisfactory responses, there is clear potential for improvement in participants’ understanding of immunization. Within academic training, practices focused on immunization in infectious diseases courses, combined with addressing the topic in other curricular disciplines, represent a powerful tool for consolidating mastery of this thematic axis. In this way, it is possible to prepare future physicians to contribute to public policies and to health education efforts capable of reversing the downward trend in vaccination coverage.
Franco et al. (Sun,) studied this question.