Sweden: 5th COVID-19 shot for people over 65, pregnant women
STOCKHOLM (AP) – Sweden recommends a fifth covid-19 vaccine dose for people at increased risk of becoming seriously ill, including pregnant women and anyone aged 65 and over, authorities said on Tuesday, adding that the country must “be prepared for an increased spread during the coming autumn and winter season. ”
– The vaccine is our strongest tool for preventing serious illness and death, said Minister of Social Affairs Lena Hallengren and added that the pandemic is not over.
From 1 September, Sweden recommends that an additional booster shot be given to people aged 65 and older and people over 18 in the risk groups. The public health authority said that the latter includes pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and people with heart and lung diseases.
– In general, the risk of serious illness is assessed as low for adults under 65 who have been vaccinated with three doses, but the risk increases with age and varies within the group, says the agency’s head Karin Tegmark Wisell.
During most of the pandemic, Sweden stood out among European nations for its comparatively practical response. It never went into lockdown or closed companies, but relied largely on individual responsibility.
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