By NewsDesk  @bactiman63

The Swedish Public Health Agency Friday specified the recommendations on which groups should be offered vaccines against COVID-19 first.

Image/CDC

Initially, when the first vaccine doses arrive in Sweden, they first and foremost need to go to people who have the greatest need for protection.

The Swedish Public Health Agency therefore recommends in the agency’s second sub-report that the following groups be offered vaccination first – and in the following order of priority if volumes are limited:

  • People who live in special housing for the elderly or who have home care, mainly people who are 70 years and older.
  • Staff who meet particularly vulnerable people in elderly care, health care and other care.
  • Adults who live with people who have home care.

In total, about 600,000 people are included in these mainly priority groups.

The recommendation will be updated and adapted based on the situation regarding the disease burden and the spread of infection in society. Which vaccines are approved for use, and which groups they are approved for and recommended for, will also be considered.

The Swedish Public Health Agency’s recommendation is support for the regions’ own decisions on vaccination, and a basis for them to be able to make decisions according to different conditions.

It is the regions that are responsible for the vaccinations being carried out when an approved vaccine is available. It is expected to take place sometime in January 2021, or earlier depending on when the vaccine is approved and when vaccination can be performed according to plan.