Fewer people get vaccinated against the seasonal flu in Scania

Last year was a record.

Never before have so many people in Scania been vaccinated against the seasonal flu.

This year it looks completely different.

- We have to listen and inform those who are wondering if they should take more shots, says Birgitta Holmgren, assistant infectious disease doctor in Skåne.

She wants those who are in risk groups and are older than 65 to get vaccinated before the flu season, which normally starts this year and usually culminates during the sports holiday in February.

- New for this year is that pregnant women can get vaccinated in week 12 instead of week 16. This means that even more pregnant women now have the opportunity to get good protection during flu season, says Birgitta Holmgren.

Fear of taking various vaccines

The spread of influenza has been relatively low in Sweden for the past three winters.

So far, it's too early to tell how the season's outbreak will unfold.

During week 46, a total of 57 cases of influenza were reported nationally, compared to 46 cases in week 45, according to the Public Health Authority.

If vaccination fatigue spreads, Birgitta Holmgren sees the risk increasing that more people will become seriously ill if they get the flu.

- We have well-proven vaccines, so there is no cause for concern, she says.

It is fine to take a shot against covid in one arm and one against flu in the other.

As of December 5, people who are not part of the priority groups can be offered vaccination against the seasonal flu.