It is still unclear when a third dose of vaccine can be given

In July, Israel became the first in the world to offer a third dose of vaccine against covid-19, and in the United States a third dose is planned from mid-September - initially to people in nursing homes and to medical staff, reports the New York Times.

In Sweden, more than 60 percent of the adult population has now received two doses, but it is still unclear when and for whom it is time for dose three.

The Swedish Public Health Agency announced on 3 August that it may become relevant this autumn for people at risk, and that most adults will probably be offered a third dose in 2022.

As SVT has previously reported, many regions are ready to start giving the third dose, but are waiting for information on, among other things, schedule, financing and order of priority.

Discontinue or continue

Anna Starbrink (L), health and medical care regional councilor in Stockholm, wants the Swedish Public Health Agency to now present a plan.

- We have come a long way with dose one and two, now we are faced with either starting to phase out the vaccination device or continuing with dose three, we need information on how to do and be told that we get money to carry out a third round, says Anna Starbrink.

Emma Spak, head of the section for health and medical care at SKR.

Photo: TT

Several other regions, including Östergötland, also state that they are ready and awaiting information.

The organization Sweden's Municipalities and Regions (SKR) wants to see clarifying decisions from the Public Health Agency so that the regions can continue planning.

- If there are extensive vaccinations during the autumn, the regions need to know as soon as possible, says Emma Spak, head of the section for health and medical care at SKR.

- The earlier the regions are notified, the faster you can have an organization for it in place.

It is only when the regions have received a concrete recommendation from the Swedish Public Health Agency and know who should have a third dose that they can get a plan for it.

"Good effect of the second dose"

The Swedish Public Health Agency is currently unable to answer questions about what the plan for the third dose looks like. The authority's department head Karin Tegmark Wisell told TV4 Nyheterna on Tuesday that it is likely that a third dose will be needed, but did not say when.

- We see that there is still a very good effect of the second dose and in the vaccination follow-ups you see no reduced effect of the second dose, she told TV4.