Perfil Epidemiológico da Rotavirose e Desigualdades na Cobertura Vacinal no Brasil: Análise de Dados Nacionais (2013–2022)

Abstract

Rotavirus infection remains one of the leading causes of severe acute diarrhea in children under five years of age and represents a significant public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of rotavirus cases in Brazil between 2013 and 2022 and to assess national vaccination coverage, correlating it with reported incidence. This is an epidemiological, retrospective, and descriptive study based on secondary data obtained from the SINAN and SI-PNI systems. A total of 1,421 confirmed cases were identified during the period, with the highest concentration in the North and Northeast regions. The annual mean was 142.1 reported cases, predominantly among children under two years of age (66.1%). The national average vaccination coverage was 86.02%, with marked declines observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings indicate that, although vaccination has substantially reduced the severity and mortality associated with rotavirus infection, persistent challenges remain, including regional heterogeneity, social vulnerability, underreporting, and weaknesses in epidemiological surveillance. Therefore, the study highlights the need for targeted actions, expanded immunization strategies, and strengthened active surveillance, particularly in areas with lower vaccination coverage.