Several municipalities in Norrbotten are beginning to be ready to offer the first dose of vaccine to those in nursing homes, those with home health care and staff who meet these groups.
When group 1 has been vaccinated, you move on to group 2 (see list below).
Elderly people are vaccinated before hospital staff
Much depends on when - and if - Astra Zeneca will be able to deliver large amounts of doses.
But if the region is forced to choose between those who are 70 years and older and the hospital staff - then they will choose the elderly.
And this gets sharp criticism from both doctors, nurses and assistant nurses.
- Of course, we thought that the Norrbotten Region would prioritize its staff like other places in Sweden.
It was disappointing when we were told that we would wait until week 7, says Berit Flink, anesthesiologist at Sunderby Hospital and safety representative for the Swedish Medical Association.
She continues:
- We appreciate that priority has been given to the elderly population who live in municipal housing, home health care and their carers.
But then we probably think that people should look at us in healthcare.
Vaccinate those with the greatest risk of becoming seriously ill first
However, the Norrbotten Region stands by its decision and believes that they only follow the Public Health Agency's guidelines
- I really understand that you feel worried and want to get vaccinated.
but it is still the case that we follow the direction from the Swedish Public Health Agency to vaccinate those who are most at risk of becoming the most seriously ill first, says Pia Näsvall, chief physician at the Norrbotten Region.