The Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK) has previously expressed hesitation in accepting the vaccine agreement negotiated between the international equivalent, the IOC, and the pharmaceutical manufacturer Pfizer.

- I imagine that there are many countries that are significantly behind us and that would need to be prioritized before, Reinebo said as late as the beginning of May.

Now, however, the decision has been made to become part of the program, just like several other Olympic countries.

- We had a lot of questions, including whether it is legal in our country and whether we end up in the right order of priority, Reinebo says to TT.

- The main reason for doing this, however, is based on the care of the Japanese population.

Japan has come much shorter when it comes to the vaccination process and we are the ones who come to them.

Add doses

In concrete terms, this means that, for example, swimmer and Olympic debutant Emelie Fast, born in 2004, will be offered Pfizer's vaccine.

At the same time, there are most regions in the country, such as Stockholm, where vaccination still only applies to those born in 1976 or earlier.

- This means that we supply doses to Sweden rather than taking doses from Sweden and the order of priority that has been set, which is an important part.

- We have also had contacts with, among others, vaccine coordinators, the Swedish Public Health Agency and the government, Reinebo justifies the decision.

Not mandatory

According to Reinebo, there is no concern that all those who want to get the vaccine will not have time to take it before leaving for Tokyo.

- No, the plan is vaccination at the beginning and end of June.

TT: Has there been any hesitation among active people to travel there unvaccinated?

- No, I would not say that.

From the very beginning, it has been clear that vaccination is not mandatory and the on-site arrangement is rigorous.

Then there may be someone who is worried for other reasons but it is not something we have been reached by.

- Most people have seen that they live it like in a bubble and that it is a plus to be vaccinated and an act of solidarity.

Many have said that it is more important for my grandmother to be vaccinated before me.

At present, about 50 active people have been selected for the Olympics in addition to a number of different teams, such as the women's national football team and the two national handball teams.

The Olympics will be inaugurated on July 23.