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

Aims: To Study the introduction of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vacc ination in Sweden. and to identify factors promoting and inhibiting the pro cess. Methods: The introduction of general childhood vaccination against Hi b in Sweden in 1992-93 was studied using the Cultural Historical Activity T heory as a theoretical framework. Results: Five activity systems were found to be involved in the introduction process, the systems of vaccine product ion. government administration, news distribution. science, and disease pre vention. The critical factors for introduction or the programme were found to be the vaccine product, conception of the disease. government economy an d public decision-making. Conclusions: The results show that a broad range of non-biomedical aspects must be considered when a public health intervent ion such as a general vaccination programme is introduced.