HEALTH EDUCATION AND PROMOTION AS A TOOL TO DEMISTIFY “FAKE NEWS” ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINES: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: With the emergence and progression of the disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) pandemic, the search for vaccines has been present. However, the Fake News and lack of information negatively affect vaccination, which was intensified in the pandemic. Therefore, to inform population about COVID-19 vaccines, a health education was carried out on two fronts. And this experience report addresses the experiences and impressions of the responsable group on the activities developed and their impacts. REPORT: Under the supervision of a professor, and in partnership with the Municipal Department of Health, an in-person strand of the action was proposed, with individual approach to the public circulating in a square, giving explanations about COVID-19 vaccines. And there was a virtual strand of the action of conversation with students and health professionals, training this audience to be disseminators of knowledge on the subject. DISCUSSION: Because it is a new disease, the Fake News related to COVID-19 gains strength and increases the population's hesitation to vaccinate, generating concern in the pandemic reality. And during the in-person health education, population's doubts were discussed and clarified, generating a remarkable confidence and willingness with vaccination. Furthermore, in the context of permanent health education, the target audience demonstrated understanding of the content covered in online training and a willingness to disseminate it in the environment in which they are inserted. CONCLUSION: After analyzing the questionnaires applied before and after each action and the verbal report of the participants, it is concluded that the action “I protect myself from Fake News and you? Get vaccinated" reached the population and health professionals, fulfilling the objective of guiding and inciting critical thinking, combating misinformation and Fake News related to COVID-19 vaccination. Thus, it was clear to the group the importance and need for more health education on this theme.