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Introduction of rotavirus vaccination in a Swedish region: assessing parental decision‐making, obtained vaccination coverage and resulting hospital admissions
Author(s) -
Oldin Carin,
Golsäter Marie,
Schollin Ask Lina,
Fredriksson Sara,
Stenmarker Margaretha
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.14674
Subject(s) - medicine , vaccination , rotavirus vaccine , acute gastroenteritis , rotavirus , family medicine , health care , rotavirus gastroenteritis , pediatrics , environmental health , immunology , virus , economics , economic growth
Aim This study evaluated the introduction of rotavirus vaccination in Jönköping County, Sweden, starting in 2014. This project explored the parental factors that influenced the decision to vaccinate and studied the obtained vaccination coverage and its potential influence on hospital admissions due to acute gastroenteritis. Methods This was a descriptive, cross‐sectional study based on a study‐specific questionnaire (n = 356) and regional statistical data on vaccination coverage and hospital admissions in Jönköping County, Sweden. Results Central aspects when deciding on vaccination were vaccine efficacy and safety, that the vaccine was offered to all children, and recommended by healthcare professionals. One in five parents expressed uncertainty about whether they had sufficient information to make a decision. However, the rotavirus vaccination coverage was elevated from 76.1% to 81.0% and the hospital admissions due to acute gastroenteritis decreased by approximately 60%. Conclusion The results highlight the necessity for Child Health Services to have solid knowledge regarding vaccinations, to understand individual parental issues and to support uncertain parents. The high vaccination coverage achieved is an indication of the trust in healthcare professionals and is considered to be a major contributing factor to the substantial reduction of hospital admissions due to acute gastroenteritis.