Influenza A (H1N1)
Swedish government agencies are prepared for pandemics. An organisation is in place that is equipped to deal with situations that may arise in connection with a pandemic. Agencies such as the National Board of Health and Welfare (Socialstyrelsen), the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control (Smittskyddsinstitutet) and the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap) are monitoring developments and taking the necessary measures. The agencies have a joint pandemic group and are cooperating on matters such as the dissemination of correct information. As usual, county councils are responsible for health and medical care and thus for covering the costs of purchasing vaccines.
Most of those who have been infected with the new influenza have displayed symptoms that resemble the normal seasonal influenza. However, it is possible that a much larger proportion of the population may become infected with the new influenza, and there is a risk of serious consequences to society as a result of a high level of sickness absence.
Vaccination effective in controlling the spread
Photo: Fredrik Sandberg / SCANPIX
Vaccination is the most effective preventive measure that can be taken against pandemic influenza. It is of benefit to individuals and society as a whole that as many people as possible take the vaccine. This also protects people who have not taken it.
A pandemic will also have an impact on the regular activities of health and medical care. In light of this, and in combination with the strained economic situation of county councils, the Government has decided on an additional central government contribution of SEK 1 billion during the current year. The county councils started vaccinating people on 12 October.
Agreement on vaccine delivery
The Government has already entered into an agreement with a vaccine manufacturer that guarantees delivery of 18 million doses of vaccine in the event of a pandemic. The Government will also cover the costs associated with this agreement. County councils are responsible for health and medical care even in the event of a pandemic. County councils are to cover the costs of purchasing the actual vaccine when it is delivered. This is made clear in the delivery agreement for the vaccine and the costs entailed, which Stockholm County Council has entered into on behalf of all county councils, and which they have all signed. County councils are also responsible for other costs that can arise in connection with vaccination against the new influenza.
More information is available on the Krisinformation.se website, which is maintained by the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency, and on the Swedish Institute for Infectious Disease Control and the National Board of Health and Welfare websites.
Cooperation in the EU
Another aspect is the work going on in the EU. The Swedish Presidency of the EU in autumn 2009 has made preparations for dealing with the pandemic, and is continuously monitoring developments. On 12 October 2009, EU health ministers met to discuss and adopted conclusions on a strategy for work at EU level to combat the effects of the influenza pandemic. The ministers stressed the importance for the Member States to coordinate their information on the influenza to the public.
Influenza telephone helpline
A telephone helpline for questions concerning influenza A (H1N1) has been set up by the responsible agencies. The number is: 020 20 20 00. Operators are available to answer questions and refer callers to further sources of information. Answers are also available on the website: www.krisinformation.se.
