INTRODUCTION:
from december 2019 onward, the global spread of sars-cov-2, originating in wuhan, china, led to an international public health emergency declared by the who in january 2020, culminating in the covid-19 pandemic. in brazil, the first confirmed case occurred in february 2020, followed by rapid community transmission and nationwide dissemination by march 2020. by the end of 2023, the country had registered more than 700000 deaths and approximately 38000000 cases. vaccination emerged as the main strategy to control the pandemic, although pediatric immunization faced challenges related to safety concerns and misinformation.

METHODS:
this study analyzed the profile of pediatric covid-19 vaccination in brazil through a descriptive and analytical approach, using secondary data from official national health information systems. vaccination coverage rates in children were evaluated over time and contextualized according to regulatory approvals, scientific evidence on vaccine safety, and public health policies implemented during the pandemic.

RESULTS:
the findings demonstrated a gradual increase in pediatric vaccination coverage following the expansion of scientific evidence supporting vaccine safety and effectiveness. higher coverage rates were associated with periods of broader public policy support and increased availability of approved vaccines for children. despite initial delays and resistance, vaccination contributed substantially to reducing severe cases and complications among pediatric populations.

CONCLUSIONS:
pediatric covid-19 vaccination in brazil evolved progressively in parallel with advances in scientific knowledge and regulatory decisions. vaccination coverage played a fundamental role in controlling the disease and protecting younger populations. the results reinforce pediatric vaccination as an essential public health strategy for pandemic control and highlight the importance of combating misinformation and strengthening public trust in immunization programs.