The Public Health Authority has long failed antibody tests for individuals on the grounds that knowledge of a possible immunity has been too poor.

On Thursday, the government announced that it intends to introduce a broad antibody test in which private individuals should be able to answer whether they have had covid-19 or not. In connection with that, the Public Health Agency also gives a new message - antibodies give immunity.

- The development of knowledge has continued. We know more and more and today we think we know that you become immune after a through infection, just like many other infectious diseases, says Anders Tegnell.

It is unclear whether immune infections 

However, just because a person has developed antibodies and thus is immune to infection, it is not certain that that person does not infect others. In other words, it is still unclear if, for example, you can meet older relatives as immune.

- An immunity is not always plus or minus. You can imagine that you get better or worse protection. Or that there is a risk of being infected. We also don't know how long this immunity lasts, says Tegnell.

The public health authority has now been commissioned by the government to look at what this immunity means. The authority will also shortly state clearly which requirements are set for the tests that are now to be carried out.