Immunization against Haemophilus influenzae type b in Sweden – A study of the introduction process

• Published in: Scandinavian journal of public health Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 271 - 278
• Main Authors: Garpenholt, Örjan, Fredlund, Hans, Timpka, Toomas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Londres Taylor & Francis 01.12.2001; Sage
• Subjects: Bacterial diseases; Bacterial diseases of the nervous system. Bacterial myositis; Biological and medical sciences; Child; Child, Preschool; Children; Haemophilus Infections - epidemiology; Haemophilus Infections - prevention & control; Haemophilus influenzae; Haemophilus influenzae type b - immunology; Haemophilus influenzae type b disease; Haemophilus Vaccines - supply & distribution; Health Policy; Human bacterial diseases; Humans; Immunization; Immunization Programs - organization & administration; Immunization Programs - utilization; Infant; Infectious diseases; Medical sciences; MEDICIN; MEDICINE; ORIGINAL ARTICLES; Outcome and Process Assessment (Health Care); Program Development; Social Responsibility; Sweden; Sweden - epidemiology; Sweden; Europe; Human; Evaluation; Sanitary program; Nervous system diseases; Decision making; Vaccination; Case history; Haemophilus influenzae; Pasteurellaceae; Prevention; 1993; 1992; Central nervous system disease; Bacteria; Meningitis; Child; Public health
• ISSN: 1403-4948; 1651-1905; 1651-1905
• DOI: 10.1080/140349401317115222

Aims: To study the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccination in Sweden, and to identify factor promoting and inhibiting the process. Methods: The introduction of general childhood vaccination against Hib in Sweden in 1992-93 was studied using the Cultural Historical Activity Theory as a theoretical framework. Results: Five activity systems were found to be involved in the introduction process, the systems of vaccine production, government administration, news distribution, science, and disease prevention. The critical factors for introduction of the programme were found to be the vaccine product, conception of the disease, government economy and public decision-making. Conclusions: The result show that a broad range of non-biomedical aspects must be considered when a public health intervention such as a general vaccination programme is introduced.