AUTHOR=St-Martin Gry , Lindstrand Ann , Sandbu Synne , Fischer Thea Kølsen 

TITLE=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

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Public Health

VOLUME=Volume 6 - 2018

YEAR=2018

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2018.00131

DOI=10.3389/fpubh.2018.00131

ISSN=2296-2565

ABSTRACT=- The World Health Organization recommends inclusion of rotavirus vaccines in national immunisation programmes worldwide. 
- Nordic countries are usually considered comparable in terms of demographics and healthcare 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 national immunisation programmes 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