COVID-19 vaccination in Sweden
Vaccination against COVID-19 in Sweden started on 27 December 2020 after the approval of the Pfizer–BioNTech vaccine by the European Commission.[2][3][4] In Sweden, the Public Health Agency has been commissioned by the government to create a vaccination plan.[5] Sveriges riksbank, the central bank of Sweden, predicts that efficient vaccination against COVID-19 has macroeconomic benefits.[6] As of 20 April 2022, 87.1% of people (12 years and older) in Sweden have received at least one dose, with a total of 21,491,717 doses administered.[1] At least one vaccine has been approved for all age groups 12 and older. Children younger than 12 in high risk groups can also be vaccinated. [7]
Native name
Vaccination mot covid-19
27 December 2020 – present
As of 17 December 2021:[1]
17,049,272 total doses
85.3% of the population of Sweden (12 years and older) has received at least one vaccine dose
81.1% of the adult population of Sweden has received at least two doses
Challenges[edit]
Vaccine hesitancy is one of the major challenges to the COVID-19 vaccination program in Sweden, with 26% of Swedes saying that they do not want to be vaccinated in a poll.[9] 46% of the poll participants said that they want the vaccine.[9] The chief epidemiologist of Sweden, Anders Tegnell, expects that more people will accept vaccination with time.[9] Another poll conducted in April–May 2021, however, shows that around nine of ten Swedes are willing to get vaccinated, with foreign-born Swedes being less inclined.[32]
Roll-out[edit]
In late January 2021, around 1,000 people, all healthcare workers, were given doses of the Moderna vaccine that had been stored at the incorrect temperature.[33]
In mid-April 2021, it was announced that Sweden was working with several other EU countries to hold negotiations with Russia over purchasing the Sputnik vaccine once the EMA had approved it.[34]
On 5 May 2021, the Stockholm region began its phase 4, opening up vaccination slots to people aged 55 to 59.[35] On 14 June 2021, over half of Swedish adults had received at least one vaccine dose, with 27% fully vaccinated.[36]