The Spring-19 Spring Vaccination Program in Sweden is in its final stages in various parts of the country. The program included free doses of souvenirs for those who are at increased risk of serious illness, including much older members of society.
At the same time, the research is presented to the factors that have affected the intake of COVID-19 vaccination between the elderly both during and after the pandemic, until the beginning of 2024.
Geography and socio -economy
The results confirm the appearance of certain regional differences in vaccination between the elderly in Sweden. When the vaccines were introduced in December 2020, 95 % of the elderly were vaccinated, with no significant differences in the intake between areas in Sweden. This, however, has changed gradually.
Studying periods for commemorative and seasonal doses show a reduced percentage of elderly who continue to be vaccinated, especially in Skåne, Stockholm and Västra Götaland counties and between 65-80 years. The lowest elements in the study, less than 60 % vaccinated, were 65-80 years old in the three metropolitan counties, for complete six-dose vaccination.
In addition to regional differences, factors were also observed other than geographical, and they had a greater impact. Among the men, people born outside Sweden and people with low income and low -level education, the percentage of vaccinated people was significantly lower. This is in line with previous studies, indicating that the differences remain despite the measures taken.
The differences must be reduced
A possible explanation for regional differences is considered shortages of national coordination and priorities. Researchers at the University of Gothenburg of Karolinska Institutet and Sweden’s Public Health Service believe that the results emphasize the importance of using targeted interventions to minimize regional fluctuations.
Both regional and socio -economic inequalities are described as threats to vaccination programs. The first author of the study is Yiyi Xu, Associate Professor of Professional and Environmental Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg:
“The lower vaccination intake increases the vulnerability to severe Covid-19 and after Covid, especially among the elderly. National coordination remains decisive in ensuring uniform vaccination coverage and focusing on socio-economically disadvantaged groups.”
The connection of COVID-19 vaccinations with usual health interventions, such as influenza vaccinations, could increase the COVID-19 vaccination rate, reduce the obstacles that appear to exist and reduce public health costs. “
Yiyi Xu, Associate Professor of Vocational and Environmental Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg
Source:
Magazine report:
Xu, y., et al. (2025). Regional differences in COVID-19 vaccine intake and decisive factors between Swedish elderly adults. Public health. doi.org/10.1016/j.puhe.2025.03.028.
