Influenza vaccine delays impact Sweden and Finland

Delayed deliveries of influenza vaccines are impacting several regions across Sweden, Finland, and much of Europe. The delays are attributed to manufacturing processes, particularly when vaccine compositions must be updated to match circulating virus strains.

In Sweden, the Public Health Agency (Folkhälsomyndigheten) reports that while many regions are affected, there should be enough doses to cover all high-risk groups. In Region Skåne, limited supply has necessitated a prioritization strategy, focusing first on those at highest risk, such as the elderly (80+), and later on other groups like healthcare workers.

In Finland, health authorities have also noted delays in injectable vaccines, leading to the temporary closure of some booking slots. However, officials emphasize that all eligible individuals will eventually receive their doses and that nasal spray vaccines for children remain unaffected. Experts from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) expressed hope that this year's vaccine will provide better protection against circulating viruses than the previous season.