The Public Health Agency of Sweden recommends that the most vulnerable groups are prioritized in each of the four stages of the COVID-19 vaccination program. Each week, vaccination rates are presented in line with the Agency’s order of prioritisation (in Swedish). This compilation presents vaccination rates based on country of birth.
The Public Health Agency’s order of prioritisation (in Swedish) [Länk borttagen 2022-06-10]
Results show that vaccination rates vary depending on a person’s country of birth. This applies to people vaccinated during phase 1 and the groups currently being vaccinated.
Approximately 70,000 elderly people living in specialist care facilities have already been vaccinated, as have around 142,000 people receiving care in the home. There are fewer differences in country of birth amongst people living in specialist care facilities for elderly people, compared to those receiving at-home care.
Phase 2 is ongoing, and people aged 65 and above are currently being vaccinated. These people are not residents of special care facilities, nor are they receiving care in the home. The oldest people will be offered the vaccine first.
Amongst people aged 80 and above who were born in Sweden, vaccination rates are high at 91 per cent. This is followed by those born in the Nordic countries (85 per cent), North America (81 per cent) and the EU (77 per cent). The lowest vaccination rates are amongst those born in North Africa (59 per cent) and other African countries (44 per cent).
Many Swedish and international studies have shown that certain groups are at a higher risk for serious illness and death. These groups include people with lower levels of education attainment, those on lower incomes, living in certain residential areas and/or in overcrowded conditions as well as people born outside of Sweden. It is essential that groups with a higher risk of developing serious illness or dying receive the vaccination. The country of birth itself is not the risk factor, rather a person’s place of birth often correlates with their level of education, occupation, place of residence and subsequent population density. Together, these factors increase the risk of becoming seriously ill or dying of COVID-19.
In the fight against the pandemic, the aim is to vaccinate as much of the population as possible. It is a case of reducing an individual’s risk of illness, as well as making sure that certain areas or population groups do not go unvaccinated, which increases the risk of “cluster” outbreaks. Gaps in vaccination rates can also affect the long-term levels of health equality.
Sweden’s comprehensive public health policy objectives involve creating the social conditions for good and equitable public health for all and closing the gap on health inequality within a generation. We are still in the midst of a pandemic and the initial stages of vaccination. Hence, we have the opportunity to develop and adapt the work with COVID-19 vaccinations and make it accessible, based on these follow-ups.