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– Today, Sweden will have carried out one million vaccinations against covid-19. And there is no question that they have an effect, says Social Affairs Minister Lena Hallengren, continuing:
– The number of COVID-19 cases has dropped dramatically in nursing homes, where now more than 90 percent have received at least one dose of vaccine.
Also participating in the press conference were Johan Carlson, Director General of the Swedish Public Health Agency, government vaccine coordinator Richard Bergström and Marie Morell, chair of the Swedish Municipalities and Regions (SKR) health care delegation.
More doses on the way
During this week and the next, half a million doses are expected to reach Sweden, says Lena Hallengren.
So far, the EU has invested € 2.8 billion in vaccine development, and today three vaccines have been approved in Europe: Moderna, Pfizer / BioNTech and Astra Zeneca.
The government is proposing to increase the loan limit for the purchase of vaccines, from SEK 4.5 billion to SEK 11 billion.
– We are talking about a lot of money, but little compared to what COVID-19 has cost society, says Hallengren.
Fourth vaccination at the entrance
Vaccine coordinator Richard Bergström says there is “a big focus on securing deliveries right now” and that the EU will likely approve a fourth vaccine, from Johnsons, on Thursday. Then two more approvals await in the spring.
– In total, Sweden will receive an additional 14 million doses by the end of the first half of the year. During the second half of the year, 30 million doses will arrive, says Bergström.
The advantage of the Johnson vaccine is that it is only a syringe.
“The situation is still serious”
At the same time that vaccine doses arrive to a greater extent and the spread of infection in special dwellings decreases, infection increases in the population as a whole. Both the government and the authorities emphasize the importance of everyone following the advice and recommendations.
– We have a worrying situation that continues. In many regions, we see a clear spread of the infection and they are on their way to this third wave, says Marie Morell from SKR.
– The situation is still serious, says Johan Carlson.
– It is important that we all continue to assume our responsibility, we continue to stay at home, analyze the symptoms, stay away from others and get vaccinated when the offer arrives. Don’t wait to get vaccinated, all the approved vaccines we have are good.
