ANALYSIS: What risk is worth taking?

Today we received further answers to at least the last of these questions at today's press conference with the Swedish Public Health Agency.

Anyone under the age of 65 who has received a first dose of Astra's vaccine should NOT receive another dose of the same vaccine.

Instead, dose two should come from another manufacturer.

However, those over the age of 65 will continue to be offered vaccines from Astra Zeneca, FHM announced today.

Undeserved bad reputation

This is probably the only reasonable decision that the authority can make in the prevailing circumstances.

Astra Zeneca has gained an undeservedly bad reputation in many ways, partly due to the very unusual side effect of coagulation disorders that the vaccine is suspected to lead to.

A

unusual side effect, which still led to a reaction in the public that is not at all in proportion to the risk of getting this side effect.

Despite the fact that all the data we have shows a

small risk of this serious side effect, the concern about this has nevertheless led to many refusing the vaccine.

Some have even threatened healthcare professionals who have offered Astra's vaccine.

The explanation for this reaction is probably that we humans often react more based on emotions than logic.

It is not logical to worry about a side effect that is much less likely to be affected than the risk you take without this particular vaccine.

Our only weapon is a vaccine

Sweden and the world are currently waging an unequal fight against the virus that has changed our entire existence.

The only weapon we have right now to try to break the virus' very successful progress so far is the vaccine.

But all medicines and vaccines have side effects.

Therefore, it is about weighing risk against benefit.

And when it comes to the risk even with Astra Zeneca's vaccine, it is after all much less than the benefit.

Still, that message does not seem to reach everyone. 

For some age groups, those under 65, the risk-benefit ratio in this case is, however, a little more uncertain.

Therefore, today's message from the Swedish Public Health Agency is reasonable, ie that those under the age of 65 should not be vaccinated with Astra and those who have already received a dose should not receive another with that particular vaccine.

Have a good think

However, anyone over the age of 65 who is still worried about receiving Astra Zeneca's vaccine should give it some thought.

Of course, everyone has the right to abstain, but it is important to realize what you are then exposed to.

What risk do you take by saying no?

In fact, you then run a much greater risk of becoming seriously ill, and perhaps dying, than if you say yes to Astra's vaccine.

The societal spread of the coronavirus is so great in Sweden today that the risk of infection is many times greater than the risk of getting side effects from the vaccine.

Are you prepared to take that risk?

Yes, then you can say no to Astra's vaccine and it is of course everyone's right to make that decision.

But

- do it then with kindness.

I promise you that the nurse or health care professional who is willing to give you your syringe just wants you well and hopes to give you a chance to avoid a serious illness that you are guaranteed

to have.