Spatial analysis of meningococcal c vaccination coverage in children in BRAZIL between 2012 and 2024

The objective is to analyze Meningococcal C conjugate vaccine (MenC) vaccination coverage based on the temporal trend of MenC vaccination coverage over 13 years and its spatial distribution, based on the identification of spatial clusters. This mixed ecological study was performed with secondary data on MenC vaccination coverage from 2012 to 2024 in Brazil. Descriptive analysis was used to assess annual MenC vaccine coverage based on geographic region and years analyzed. The Prais-Winsten linear regression model was used for trend analysis purposes: MenC vaccination coverage by state and region of Brazil was used as a dependent variable and the years analyzed as an independent variable. Spatial dependence and the incidence of spatial clusters formed by municipalities with high and low MenC vaccination coverage were evaluated using spatial statistical analysis. The results of this study showed that vaccination coverage remained stable in Brazil. Among the regions, downward trends were observed in the Southeast and South regions. At the state level, statistically significant reductions were observed in Goiás, Roraima, and Santa Catarina. In addition, it was possible seeing progressive increase in spatial clusters with low vaccination coverage, mainly in Northern and Northeastern Brazil, between 2012 and 2024. These findings are expected to influence the formulation of practices, policies, programs and actions based on robust scientific evidence on the development of strategies and interventions for the prevention and health promotion of meningococcal disease at national and global levels.