Region Västerbotten is aiming to meet the World Health Organization's (WHO) target of at least 75 percent flu vaccination coverage among people aged 65 and older. "Last year, we were happy to reach this goal for the first time," says Dan Thorn, vaccination coordinator at Region Västerbotten.
Those recommended for vaccination against covid-19 and influenza will be able to book an appointment starting Tuesday, October 1.
"In past years, the spread of covid-19 began before regional vaccination campaigns were underway," said Dan Thorn, vaccination coordinator at Region Västerbotten, in a press release.
"To ensure the most vulnerable individuals receive protection before the virus spreads, the Public Health Agency has decided to move up the start of this autumn's vaccination program by about three weeks."
The spread of both influenza and covid-19 was high last year, and Region Västerbotten expects a similar situation this year.
"There was high transmission last year," says Maria Marklund, infection control physician at Region Västerbotten. "It is likely that we will see similar transmission this year, which we are also observing signs of from the southern hemisphere that has already experienced its flu season," she adds.
Residents of Skellefteå and surrounding areas are primarily recommended to get vaccinated at the Vaccination Center at Anderstorg, the region writes. It is also possible to get vaccinated in connection with other planned healthcare visits or before discharge from the hospital.
Vaccination
Vaccination against covid-19 and influenza is recommended for adults who:
- turn 65 this year or are older
- are pregnant after week 12
- have a cardiovascular disease, such as a stroke
- have a lung disease, such as COPD or severe asthma
- are severely overweight
- have liver failure or kidney failure
- have diabetes
- have a severely weakened immune system due to a disease or treatment
- have a neuromuscular disease
- have multiple disabilities
- have Down syndrome.