Study: Economy and distance not biggest obstacles to vaccination in northern Sweden

A new study from Umeå University shows that the biggest obstacles to getting vaccinated are not about finances or distance to vaccination reception.

- We were surprised that where you live played such a small role. This means that we need to direct efforts more towards the groups that still opt out of vaccination, says Urban Johansson Kostenniemi, infectious disease doctor.

The researchers have looked at which factors affect vaccination coverage among risk groups in northern Sweden. A total of 600 adult patients from Norrland University Hospital were included, of which 450 were recommended vaccination against both influenza and covid-19.

Only 20 percent take the vaccine

In this context, people under the age of 65 are counted as young people. Among them, only 20 percent of those who belong to the risk group, i.e. every fifth person, got vaccinated.

According to Urban Johansson Kostenniemi, one possible reason is that many people under 65 with illnesses do not realize their increased risk of severe flu or covid.

- You may not think about the fact that you have an increased risk, you see yourself as young and healthy.