Children routinely receive check ups from the Barnvårdcentral (BVC) from birth to 6 years. These check ups include height, weight and developmental goals in walking, talking and dexterity. The BVC also administers Sweden’s immunisation programme. If I’m honest, they are very pro-vaccine and there is little in the way of options, something that I am glad of! I have never refused any of the vaccines so I’m not sure what happens if you do.
In the last 18 months a new vaccine was introduced into the national programme for Rotavirus. Rotavirus is one of the leading viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhoea in young children, especially at preschool. If you would like to read more information about this a PDF in English is available via Vårdguiden. It is easily spread and can be really awful for small kids. As with a lot of things, the national vaccine programme changes regularly.
Vaccine program for children born in 2002 or later
3 months
Combination vacine 1 – Dip, Tet, Whooping Cough and Polio, Haemophilus Influenza type B and Hib. The baby will also get a vaccine against pneumoccus. Dose 1 of the Rotavirus vaccine is also given orally at this stage. The dose should be given between 6-8 weeks and no later than 12 weeks.
4 months
Dose 2 of the Rotavirus vaccine is given.
5 months
Combination vaccine 2 – Dip, Tet, Whooping Cough and Polio, Haemophilus Influenza type B and Hib. The baby will also get a vaccine against pneumoccus. Dose 3 of the Rotavirus vaccine is administered.
1 year
Combination vaccine 3 – Dip, Tet, Whooping Cough and Polio, Haemophilus Influenza type B and Hib. The baby will also get a vacine against pneumoccus. It is the last dose against Hib and the third and final dose of pneumococcal.
18 months
Combination vaccine – MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).
5/6 years
Combination vaccine 4 – Dip, Tet, Whooping Cough and Polio. It is the last dose against polio.
6/8 years
Combination vaccination 2 – MMR (measles, mumps and rubella).
11-13 age girls only
HPV vaccine is administered. The vaccination is given on two occasions. Other syringe taken at least six months after the first, but the gap shall be fixed at one year. Note – this is usually administered by a school nurse.
14-16 years of age
Combination vaccine 5 – Dip, Tet, Whooping Cough. This is the final vaccine in the vaccination programme.
Further questions about vaccinations?
We answer questions regarding healthcare in Sweden every month on the podcast, together with the help of our very own doctor. Head over to the ask the doctor section to get answers to any questions you might have.