The vaccination start date has now been advanced

This year, vaccination against coronavirus and seasonal influenza begins three weeks earlier than the previous year.

This particular date, which is earlier than last year, comes after a great deal of deliberation by the Public Health Authority, says Johan Nojd, an infectious diseases doctor in the Uppsala region.

Johan Nojd tells us that the healthcare system started vaccinating against coronavirus and influenza in mid-November last year. However, a significant spread of COVID-19 was seen during October and early November.

– In a way, it is about trying to avoid this with the start of the vaccine, he says and continues:

– If you just look at COVID-19, you might want to start vaccination in September. But if we were to give the flu at the same time, it would provide protection that would wane in January or so. Normally, we know that the flu rarely comes before the New Year.

Early scheduling is based on balance to make it easier for those who will get vaccinated. It shouldn't be too late to get vaccinated against COVID-19, but it's also not too early to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza, the vaccine's effect lasts for about three to four months.

This year's vaccinations begin on October 15. All people recommended and offered free vaccination are over 65 years of age. This also applies to young people who are at risk of serious illness, for example those with heart or lung disease.

– Coronavirus and influenza appeared early in recent seasons. That's why Sweden wants to start vaccinations early so that as many people as possible in risk groups can get protection, says Johan Nojd.