Right now, everyone over the age of 50 is recommended to take a dose of vaccine against covid-19 during the period 1 March 2023 to 29 February 2024, regardless of how many doses have been taken previously. People over 80 are recommended to take two doses during the same period.
In Sweden’s neighboring countries, on the other hand, the age for the recommendation has been raised to 65 years and above, and it is something that the Public Health Agency is now investigating whether Sweden should also follow suit.
– We build on protection all the time, basically everyone in the adult population has either had covid or is vaccinated several times, says Tegmark Wisell.
– It is likely that we will change our mind, she says and points out that the investigation into this is not yet complete.
Wait with the vaccine until autumn
As an updated vaccine will be available in the autumn, the Public Health Agency urges that those who are older and intend to get vaccinated do not do so now – but wait until October when the new vaccine is expected to be available.
– It is more adapted to the variants that are now spreading. The previous vaccine also provides good protection, but we judge that it is better to wait for several reasons, says Karin Tegmark Wisell.
Fears increased spread of infection this winter
It is not just because the new vaccine better matches the variants that are being spread that people are asked to wait to take the vaccine. The spread of the corona virus is also estimated to increase somewhat during the winter and it is best to vaccinate in connection with when there is the most spread of infection.
– Then you have good protection throughout the season, she says.