There is a difference of thousands of kronor in the price of vaccines across the country. The Social Democrats believe that the cost is generally too high, including for vaccines against TBE and RS-virus, and want to review the private market.
The number of TBE cases caused by ticks has more than doubled in the last ten years. At the same time, the cost of vaccinations varies greatly across the country.
A basic vaccination against TBE for a family with two children costs almost 6,500 kronor in Region Jämtland Härjedalen, according to a survey by Läkemedelsvärlden. In some regions, the vaccination is completely free for children and young people.
We cannot have a system where vaccines against TBE or shingles become a class issue, while vaccine companies make millions in profits, says S spokesperson Fredrik Lundh Sammeli.
The Social Democrats are demanding an investigation to review the private vaccination market to achieve more equal prices and eventually reduce the cost.
It's a few private actors who seem to be able to make a lot of money from people's anxiety, says Sammeli.
The party also believes that there is a risk that people will refrain from getting vaccinated due to the price.
It's too expensive to get vaccinated, we need a different system, says S group leader Lena Hallengren.
She is also open to including more vaccines in the general vaccination program in the future. She gives RS-virus as an example of an infectious disease where vaccines have a rapid effect.
It's clear how infants are affected and you notice the same year that many have been vaccinated that you get fewer hospitalizations, says Hallengren.
TBE (Tick Borne Encephalitis) or tick-borne encephalitis is caused by a flavivirus. It can manifest as brain and meningitis with high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, and paralysis symptoms. Deaths are very rare.
The first signs of the disease appear one to two weeks after infection. The disease begins with fever.
There is no known cure.
Sources: NE, Public Health Agency
