Selection and Interpretation of Scientific Evidence in Preparation for Policy Decisions: A Case Study Regarding Introduction of Rotavirus Vaccine Into National Immunization Programs in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark

• Main Authors: Gry St-Martin (Author), Ann Lindstrand (Author), Synne Sandbu (Author), Thea Kølsen Fischer (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A., 2018-05-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2296-2565; 10.3389/fpubh.2018.00131
• Keywords: policy decisions; vaccine introduction; rotavirus vaccines; Nordic countries; policy-making processes; Public aspects of medicine; RA1-1270
• Source: Frontiers in Public Health, Vol 6 (2018)

The World Health Organization recommends inclusion of rotavirus vaccines in national immunization programs (NIPs) worldwide. Nordic countries are usually considered comparable in terms of demographics and health-care services and have comparable rotavirus disease burden. Nevertheless, the countries have reached different decisions regarding rotavirus vaccine: Norway and Finland have already introduced rotavirus vaccines into their NIPs and Sweden is currently changing its recommendation and vaccines will now be introduced on a national scale while Denmark has decided against it. This study focuses on the selection and interpretation of medical and epidemiological evidence used during the decision-making processes in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark. The so-called "severity criteria" is identified as one of the main reasons for the different policy decisions reached across the Nordic countries.