COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among the Brazilian Indigenous Population between 2020 and 2024: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction: As evidenced by the creation of the Special Indigenous Health Districts, Indigenous health persists with a historical vulnerability associated with geographical, cultural, and logistical barriers. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this group was considered a priority for receiving vaccines, which does not guarantee the effectiveness of vaccination, that is, reaching 90% of the population. Objective: To analyze access and vaccination coverage of COVID-19 for the Brazilian indigenous population, through the efficiency of strategies, impact factors and disparities in coverage of the Special Indigenous Health Districts (SIHD). Methods: This was a Scoping Review conducted in October 2024, with searches in EMBASE, LILACS, PUBMED, SCOPUS, SciELO, and WEB OF SCIENCE, as well as gray literature. Inclusion criteria were full studies, available in Spanish, English, or Portuguese, addressing COVID-19 vaccination in the indigenous population. Results:  Gaps in vaccination access among the DSEIs were identified. While some districts, such as Northeast Alagoas and Sergipe, exceeded 90% vaccination coverage, others, such as Rio Tapajós, did not reach 70%. Logistical challenges and misinformation negatively impacted coverage in remote areas. Furthermore, there were cultural barriers, such as language difficulties and apprehension about foreign technologies. Final considerations: Despite efforts, vaccination coverage did not reach its full potential, highlighting the need for public policies better adapted to the geographic and cultural particularities of the indigenous population.