COORDINATED DYNAMICS IN VACCINATION CAMPAIGNS: an experience report from medical students (Atena Editora)

Abstract

Introduction: Vaccines are capable of protecting individuals against pathogens, generating more effective immune responses to combat the diseases caused by them. The dissemination of vaccination campaigns is a relevant tool in the herd immunization of the population, promoting greater coverage and quality of health. According to the National Immunization Program, vaccines against influenza, meningitis C and COVID-19 must be applied in the first half of 2023. Therefore, there was a high demand for these vaccines in the Health Centers (HC) of Belo Horizonte/MG, overloading units and professionals. This situation makes immunization difficult, increasing waiting lines and repelling the public. In view of the above, the participation of medical students in the work processes of immunization campaigns helps to organize queues and optimize waiting times. Objective: Improve the dynamics of the vaccination process in a Health Center in the central region of Belo Horizonte/MG, in order to reduce long waiting lines and facilitate immunization of the target audience. Methodology: Two new vaccination rooms were opened, one for the priority public and the other specifically for influenza and meningitis C. In each room there was a nurse and up to two academics registering and administering the vaccines. Another academic organized the flow of queues, analyzing vaccination cards and directing patients to rooms. Furthermore, there was a third room that handled the usual routine vaccinations and COVID-19 campaign. Results: The queues in each room became shorter and service was faster. Furthermore, immunized people, as well as professionals, demonstrated and reported satisfaction with the faster process. Conclusion: Since long queues for vaccination keep the target audience away from the campaigns, this method was effective in guaranteeing the immunization of citizens.