STOCKHOLM (Reuters) – Swedish children aged 5-11 who are sensitive to upper respiratory tract infections should be vaccinated against COVID-19, the country’s Public Health Agency said on Tuesday.
Sweden had previously recommended vaccination from the age of 12, while EU has recommended children aged 5-11 be vaccinated amid fears about the rapid spread of the new Omicron variant.
“Based on the current situation, evidence and discussions with the Swedish Pediatric Association and the Medical Products Agency, the Health Agency recommends vaccination against COVID-19 to certain groups of children who are generally extra sensitive to upper respiratory tract infections,” the Health Agency said in a statement.
The Nordic country has seen infections surge in recent weeks, if from levels below most European countries, and the Swedish government is expected to announce tightened restrictions later on Tuesday.
(Reporting by Helena Soderpalm; Editing by Simon Johnson)
