Maternal knowledge, attitudes and beliefs regarding gastroenteritis and rotavirus vaccine before implementing vaccination program: Which key messages in light of a new immunization program?

Introduction of rotavirus vaccination in a Swedish region: assessing parental decision‐making, obtained vaccination coverage and resulting hospital admissions

“…Furthermore, a good relationship between parents and healthcare professionals has been described to be essential for the parents to make a well‐informed decision . In line with previous research, parents who have been given information from a nurse or a physician regarding vaccines are generally more positive towards vaccinations , and such professional information is requested when parents make the decision on whether to vaccinate or not . Our results emphasise the importance of the healthcare professionals when it comes to informing the parents.…”

“…In this study, results regarding knowledge and beliefs are in line with previous studies from Stockholm, Sweden and other countries . According to the national programme for Child Health Services in Sweden, the Child Health nurses meet with the parents within the first couple of weeks after delivery and thereafter on regular, structured health visits.…”

“…Perceived vulnerability to gastroenteritis and possible side effects had previously been described as important decision‐making factors . Other studies have shown that parental attitudes towards rotavirus vaccination are not only influenced by their perceptions of the severity of rotavirus gastroenteritis but also by potential complications . The second most important category in the decision‐making process, in our study was that the vaccine was offered to all children and recommended by healthcare professionals.…”

“…The category of vaccine efficacy or safety and severity of disease was rated as the most important by the parents when deciding to vaccinate in our study. Perceived vulnerability to gastroenteritis and possible side effects had previously been described as important decision‐making factors . Other studies have shown that parental attitudes towards rotavirus vaccination are not only influenced by their perceptions of the severity of rotavirus gastroenteritis but also by potential complications .…”

Receiving early information and trusting Swedish child health centre nurses increased parents’ willingness to vaccinate against rotavirus infections

“…(11)(12)(13)(14) This finding is probably specific to Sweden (15), where child health nurses play a key role in how child healthcare is provided and have frequent and close contact with the parents of small children. However, in previous European studies, the health professional has been a doctor and not a nurse.…”