Autumn vaccination program launches on October 14
In Västra Götaland, Närhälsan announces the start of its autumn vaccination campaign on October 14. The program focuses on protecting people against both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza. Booking for vaccination opens on October 1, allowing eligible individuals to secure a time slot in advance. With 105 health centres under Närhälsan management, residents have multiple accessible options for care during the fall vaccination period.
Who should consider the vaccines this autumn?
This year’s recommendations differ slightly from previous seasons. For the combined COVID-19 and seasonal influenza vaccination, the following groups are advised to receive both vaccines: people aged 75 and older, and those aged 50 and older who belong to a medical risk group. The vaccination process that combines both vaccines begins on October 14.
Monica Radeberg, the coordinating chief physician at Närhälsan, emphasizes the added value of vaccination for high-risk individuals: “Vaccination is extra important for people with underlying conditions or other circumstances that raise the risk of illness. By vaccinating, you gain better protection and reduce the likelihood of becoming seriously ill.”
Why vaccinate against both COVID-19 and influenza?
The dual vaccination strategy aims to shield especially vulnerable groups from severe outcomes. While seasonal flu can be mild for many, it can trigger life-threatening complications in others. The alignment of both vaccines into a single vaccination visit helps minimize the risk of hospitalization and complications tied to either virus, while also reducing the burden on healthcare services during the autumn-winter season.
Seasonal influenza vaccination details
For those primarily seeking protection against influenza, the plan differs slightly. Individuals aged 65 and older, people in a medical risk group, and those who are pregnant after week 12 are advised to get the seasonal flu vaccine. The start date for flu vaccination alone is November 4. It’s worth noting that the influenza vaccine remains free for the groups listed above.
Vaccination logistics: booking, access, and costs
Vaccination remains free for the eligible groups referenced in the guidelines. Booking for vaccination opens on October 1, giving people ample time to arrange a convenient appointment before the October 14 start for the combined vaccines. Since Närhälsan operates a wide network of centers, residents across Västra Götaland should have a nearby option for vaccination, whether they are seeking the COVID-19 shot, the influenza shot, or both.
What this means for residents in Västra Götaland
The new recommendation set broadens eligibility for concurrent vaccination against COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, targeting those most at risk of severe outcomes. By encouraging vaccination among 75+ and 50+ with medical risk factors, health authorities hope to maintain lower rates of serious illness and hospitalizations through the high-risk months ahead. The separate influenza vaccination schedule ensures that older adults and pregnant individuals receive timely protection against flu, even if they do not opt for the combined COVID-19 and influenza vaccination.
Takeaway
As autumn approaches, residents are urged to consider vaccination as a practical measure to safeguard health during the fall and winter seasons. With October 14 marking the start of the combined vaccination program and November 4 for flu-only shots, eligible individuals should plan ahead and book early to secure a vaccination slot at a convenient Närhälsan center.
