Sweden Falls Short of WHO's 75% Vaccine Target for Risk Groups

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Sweden Falls Short of WHO's 75% Vaccine Target for Risk Groups
Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/TT

The influenza season is approaching – and the WHO's goal is 75 percent vaccination coverage for people in risk groups. A figure Sweden has never reached. Generally, we have good figures, but we always want to be higher, says Tina Crafoord, chief physician and head of the vaccination unit at the Public Health Agency.

Last year, 24,205 confirmed influenza cases were reported, according to the Public Health Agency's statistics. 921 Swedes died as a result of the disease, with 91 percent of the deceased being 65 years or older.

According to a new survey from the company Vaccin Direkt, the vast majority of the elderly population is positively inclined towards vaccines – but nonetheless, Sweden does not reach the World Health Organization's (WHO) goal of a vaccination coverage of 75 percent for risk groups.

WHO and the Public Health Agency recommend vaccination against influenza for all over 65 years, among other things, because studies show that the risk of stroke and heart attack can increase significantly in connection with influenza infection.

See increase

Last year, about 68 percent of all 65-year-olds got vaccinated.

Over time, we have seen an increase in the coverage rate for risk groups. Above all, we have seen it since the start of co-vaccination with COVID-19. You think it's easy to take both, says Tina Crafoord.

If we compare ourselves with Nordic countries, we are doing well, only Denmark is higher. So, in general, we have good numbers, but we always want to be higher.

In 2024-2025, only region Värmland (76 percent) reached WHO's goal. In region Norrbotten, which ended up in last place in the table, 61 percent in the age group 65 and above got vaccinated.

The fact that it differs between regions is about how you administer the effort and what access you have. You simply have different conditions in the different regions, says Crafoord.

More risk groups

This year, the vaccination season starts on October 14. Then, Charlotta Zacharias, doctor and expert at Vaccin Direkt, hopes that more risk groups than the elderly will get vaccinated to a greater extent.

A group that we do not reach in a good way is the younger ones in the risk group. We have those who have an underlying disease and need protection, where vaccination coverage is low. In Sweden, it may be as low as eleven percent. If you have, for example, diabetes and are 20 years old, it's important to get vaccinated, she says.

Facts: Influenza vaccine

TT

The Public Health Agency recommends vaccination against influenza for all persons who are 65 years or older.

All children and adults with the following diseases or conditions are also recommended vaccination:

Heart and vascular disease, including stroke (hypertension as the only diagnosis is not included)

Chronic lung disease, such as COPD or severe, unstable asthma

Diabetes type 1 and 2

Liver failure

Kidney failure

Impaired immune system due to organ transplantation, blood cancer, or other immunosuppressive disease/condition, for example, Down syndrome, or treatment.

Diseases or conditions that lead to impaired lung function or reduced coughing power, for example, obesity with a BMI of 40 or higher, neuromuscular diseases, or a disability.

Pregnancy (after week 12 of pregnancy). For pregnant women who have an additional risk factor, vaccination can be given even before week 13 of pregnancy.

Other disease or condition with impaired general condition, where an influenza disease risks a serious course of care.

Source: Public Health Agency, 1177

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers

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