Adherence to rotavirus vaccination (VAR) was low in the Emilia Region, at least in the early years after its marketing in Italy. By using a questionnaire for parents the study aim was to see retrospectively VAR effectiveness in reducing access to the emergency room and hospitalizations for gastroenteritis and to investigate the reasons that led to its poor spread. The main explanation of the low adherence to VAR is probably due to lack of information of its availability by primary care paediatricians to the parents. VAR has confirmed a significant effect in reducing access to the emergency room and hospitalizations for gastroenteritis, especially in children attending nursery schools. Strategies for a high adherence to vaccination programmes require a greater awareness by primary care paediatricians but also capillary, accurate and timely information campaigns promoted by the Italian Ministry of Health.