The Norwegian way: COVID-19 vaccination policy and practice

Abstract

ObjectivesTo describe the evolution of the national vaccination programme in Norway and how changes in national policy informed by risk and equity shaped international vaccine debates, public trust and vaccine hesitancy. MethodsDocumentary analysis of publicly available statistics, government documents and media sources. ResultsProcess equity founded on social solidarity was central to the approach taken to vaccination in Norway but within the context of a very low level of COVID-19 Infection. ConclusionsIn the context of Norway with very low levels of infection, the risks associated with vaccine side effects were of a similar order to the risk of infection which led to an early decision to exclude the AstraZeneca vaccine and limit access to the Janssen vaccine. Public trust in the way the state managed the changes in the vaccination programme resulted in very limited public resistance to the vaccine programme, high levels of vaccine uptake and an acceptance of delays associated with the exclusion of two approved vaccines. Vaccination rates among Norwegian residents born in Eastern Europe were significantly lower than both foreign born and Norwegian born residents.