The Danish Health Authority published a statement on its website yesterday, Wednesday, regarding the start of sending invitations for influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations to specific groups, and this is what it said:
The Danish Health Authority recommends that people in the following categories be vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19:
- People aged 65 and over
- People under the age of 65 who have a chronic illness, including:
- People with chronic lung diseases
- People with cardiovascular disease (except for well-controlled high blood pressure)
- People with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- People with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, for example, people with immunoglobulin defects, organ or stem cell transplants, cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, or people undergoing other immunosuppressive therapies.
- People who experience breathing difficulties due to decreased muscle strength
- People with chronic liver or kidney disease
- People with other chronic illnesses where influenza or COVID-19 poses a significant health risk, for example, people with serious rheumatic diseases, serious neurological diseases, and short bowel syndrome.
- People who are severely overweight (BMI > 35)
- People with other serious illnesses or conditions that make influenza or COVID-19 seriously dangerous to their health, for example, people with severe mental illness, Down syndrome, or severe abuse.
- Pregnant women in the second or third trimester
- People in the same household as people with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, or children, are at higher risk of severe influenza or COVID-19.
- Early retirees and children aged 2 to 6 also receive a free flu vaccination.
- Vaccination is also recommended for other groups who will not receive invitations but will be able to register for vaccination. Details below.
This week, invitations for flu and COVID-19 vaccinations will be sent out: keep an eye on your digital mail.
Invitations began being sent via Digital Post on Wednesday. Once you receive your invitation, you can book an appointment at vacciner.dk. .
The risk of developing serious illnesses such as influenza and COVID-19 increases with age, so everyone aged 65 or older receives a free vaccination against both diseases.
Therefore, everyone aged 65 and over should monitor their email in the coming period. Once you receive the invitation, you can book an appointment at vacciner.dk. If you are exempt from email, you will receive an invitation by regular mail.
Vaccinations are available by appointment between October 1st and January 15th at regional vaccination centers. This year, vaccinations can also be obtained at pharmacies nationwide.
You can read more about where you can get vaccinated on http://www.vacciner.dk .
Flu vaccination for children aged 2 to 6: Calls on their way to parents
Children aged 2 to 6 can get vaccinated against the flu again this year. Parents will receive an invitation at Digital Post next week.
In addition to protecting the child himself from the flu, vaccination also reduces the risk of infection for siblings, grandparents, or other people who are at risk of developing a severe case of the flu.
“The flu vaccine for children is a very effective and safe vaccine, and unlike many other vaccines, it is given as a nasal spray with one puff into each nostril. If you have children between the ages of 2 and 6, the vaccination will be offered to you. So, keep an eye on your email and book an appointment for your child’s vaccination,” says Christine Moll Harbo, Acting Head of Unit and Chief Medical Officer.
Vaccination is also recommended for other groups who will not receive invitations but will be able to register for vaccination.
The vast majority of young people experience only mild symptoms if they contract the flu or COVID-19. However, if you have certain underlying health conditions, you may be at higher risk of developing a more serious illness, even if you are young. This also applies to people with chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, severely weakened immune systems, or if you are in your second or third trimester of pregnancy.
Therefore, the Danish Health Authority recommends getting vaccinated if you are among these groups at higher risk of developing serious illness. For these groups, it is not possible to issue digital invitations; instead, appointment booking will open on September 20th so they can book an appointment directly via [website/platform name]. http://www.vacciner.dk.
Acting head of the unit and chief medical officer, Christine Moll Harbo, says:
“If you are at increased risk of developing a severe course of influenza and COVID-19, we recommend that you get vaccinated. If you are unsure whether you should be vaccinated, you can find more information on our website sst.dk/vaccination or at vacciner.dk.”.
The Danish Health Authority's recommendations on vaccination can also be found in the revised version of the guidelines for vaccination against COVID-19 and influenza, published on Wednesday. These guidelines are aimed at healthcare professionals: Guidelines for Vaccination against COVID-19 and Influenza
The five tips for preventing infection still apply.
In addition to vaccination, good infection prevention behavior is an important tool for getting through the fall and winter seasons well and without illness, explains Acting Head of Unit and Chief Physician Christine Moll Harbo:
“Regardless of whether you need to be vaccinated or not, it is very good to follow infection prevention advice. It helps prevent infection, whether it’s the flu, COVID-19, or other infectious diseases that often come here in the fall.”
The advice for preventing infection is:
Stay home if you are sick
Maintain good ventilation to purify the air.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer.
Cleaning surfaces, especially those touched by many people
Coughing or sneezing into the sleeve (arm)
