Vaccination against Covid-19

Assessment and approval of vaccines

A vaccine is usually approved centrally within the EU. This means that it is reviewed by experts from all member states, including the Swedish Medical Products Agency ("Läkemedelsverket"). The approval is based on information and data from the vaccine manufacturer. Within the EU, there are clear requirements for which tests and clinical studies need to be carried out and how extensive they need to be.

When assessing whether a vaccine should be approved or not, the benefit of the vaccine is weighed against the possible risks that can be seen in the form of side effects reported in the clinical studies. Even when approved, the vaccine is monitored to detect new side effects.

For English-language information on the approval and monitoring of vaccines, see the updated information from The European Medical Agency.

Vaccines that are currently being used in Sweden

Comirnaty from Pfizer-BioNTech, Spikevax from Moderna and Nuvaxovid from Novavax are the vaccines currently being used in Sweden. 

People born in 1991 and later are being vaccinated with Comirnaty

People born in 1991 and later are being vaccinated with Comirnaty from Pfizer-BioNTech. The Public Health Agency of Sweden has decided to temporarily halt the use of Spikevax from Moderna for this age group due to a suspected risk of inflammation of the cardiac muscle or pericardium. The side effect is most common in adolescents and young adults. 

COVID-19 vaccination for children aged 12–15, The Public Health Agency of Sweden

What does vaccination help with?

Vaccination creates protection against serious illness. After vaccination, the body's immune system builds up protection against covid-19. However, it is not certain that everyone who is vaccinated will have complete protection. This applies to all vaccines, not just the ones for covid-19.

Vaccination against COVID-19, The Public Health Agency of Sweden