Jääskeläinen, S., Tuomi, S. (2018) Kansallisen rokotusohjelman toteuttamiseen vaikuttavat tekijät
Original Research
Factors influencing the implementation of the national vaccination program
Author(s): Susanna Jääskeläinen 1*, Sirpa Tuomi 1
1 JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland
Published by: JAMK-JHSS (2018)
Language of article: Finnish
Citation: Jääskeläinen, S., Tuomi, S. (2018) Kansallisen rokotusohjelman toteuttamiseen vaikuttavat tekijät, JAMK Journal of Health and Social Studies, e38-e54.
Abstract
Vaccinations have been proven to be a very cost-effective way to increase public health. In Finland, the vaccination coverage of infants has traditionally been good. There is, however, considerable variation in different geographical areas and between vaccinations. The purpose of the study was to describe the factors influencing the implementation of a national vaccination program as experienced by those in charge of and those responsible for implementing the program. The aim was to find out what factors influenced the implementation of the national vaccination program in two municipalities with different vaccination coverages and how the effects of these factors were seen to be reflected in the vaccination coverage of the area. The research was carried out as a qualitative study. The experiences, obstacles and opportunities related to implementing a national vaccination program were surveyed from local health professionals. The analysis of the material was carried out using thematization and content analysis. The study showed that the implementation of the national vaccination program and vaccination coverage was influenced by a number of factors that may be internal or inde-pendent on the municipality. Parents’ hesitation related to vaccinating their children was not the only explaining factor, but the vaccination expertise of health professionals, the practical organization of the vaccinations and the media and societal phenomena affect the vaccination confidence and the vaccination coverage. However, health care professionals have a central role to play in implementing a national vaccination program. With education and the support of national experts it is possible to support the professionals’ possibilities to promote the vaccination protection of the population.