University extension work to encourage multivaccination in primary health care

Abstract

The involvement of students in extension provides training for citizen professionals in society and is a privileged space for the production of knowledge to overcome existing social inequalities. The aim of this study is to present the experience of university extension in encouraging multivaccination in primary health care. The study is an experience report carried out between February and May 2023 with medical students at a Family Health Unit (USF). Upon identifying the health need in the area of low vaccination coverage, the students planned, together with the team's health professionals, the best ways to delight and sensitize the community about the importance of updating the vaccination card in all age groups. Among the strategies, a video was recorded calling the population to D-Day for multivaccination, which was broadcast on community radio. On the day of the event, the students organized themselves into small groups and developed fun activities such as games, bingo and raffles; they distributed snacks and food baskets, as well as supporting the team in the active search of the area. Thus, the inventiveness of walking through the streets with a loudspeaker and wearing superhero, princess and Ze Gotinha costumes got the community moving, engaging both children and their parents to seek vaccination. The creative choices in the D-Day multi-vaccination campaign generated an intense and continuous flow in the service, which had a positive impact on achieving the targets for routine vaccinations, as more than 87 children and adults updated their vaccination cards in just one shift. The success of the activity was evident and the report was one of personal and professional fulfillment. Thus, the importance of university extension was observed, both for professionals and the community, as well as for the students in terms of sharing experiences and care.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/sevenIIImulti2023-152