Health News
Sweden allocates extra funds for swine flu vaccinations
Aug 25, 2009, 10:28 GMT
Stockholm - The Swedish government Tuesday said it would allocate 1 billion kronor (142 million dollars) for mass vaccinations and other measures to prevent the spread of the pandemic a(H1N1) virus, known commonly as swine flu.
The funds are for the 20 county councils responsible for offering health care. Many are preparing contingency plans for mass vaccinations.
The spread of the flu was 'an extraordinary situation,' Maria Larsson, minister for elderly care and public health, said.
The pandemic also coincided with 'a severe economic downturn which is impacting the county councils' finances,' she added.
The mass vaccination campaign was to comprise Sweden's 9.2 million inhabitants. Priority would initially be given to health care workers and certain risk groups.
Risk groups include: people suffering from chronic heart or lung disease or diabetes; those with a weakened immune system; and expecting mothers, Larsson said, referring to recommendations from the National Board of Health and Welfare.
Larsson said the first vaccine doses were scheduled for delivery at the end of September or early October. Sweden has ordered 18 million doses.
The Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions estimated the costs for the pandemic to be at least 2 billion kronor.
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