Can I get the flu vaccine for free in Sweden?
The flu vaccine is recommended and offered for free in Sweden to people who are aged 65 or older, pregnant (after week 12 of your pregnancy), or who have an underlying health condition that puts you at higher risk of developing serious infection.
Such health issues could for example include a heart condition, a lung condition (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or severe asthma), diabetes, a severely weakened immune system due to illness or treatment, chronic liver or kidney failure, a neuromuscular disease that affects your breathing or multiple disabilities, Down syndrome, or if you are severely obese.
Sometimes a doctor’s assessment may be required.
If you live together with someone with a severely weakened immune system you are also advised to get vaccinated (it varies across regions whether you are offered the flu vaccine for free or have to pay if you belong to this group), as are children who have certain serious health conditions and who are older than six months.
If you do not belong to one of the above groups, your risk of getting seriously ill from the flu is seen as considerably lower and you can’t get the vaccine for free in Sweden. You can however still get vaccinated if you pay for it yourself (more information about this further down).
How do I get vaccinated against the flu in Sweden?
The procedure is different depending on which of Sweden’s 21 regions you live in. You can look it up by going to the page vaccination mot influensa (“vaccination against influenza”) on the 1177.se healthcare website, then at the top of the page click välj region (“choose region”) and pick your region. Then scroll down to your regional information.
LEARNING SWEDISH:
The process of booking your flu shot may vary across regions (in some regions they send out a text message reminder if you've signed up for one or a letter with more information), so it is best to keep up to date by checking your regional 1177 page, or contacting your health centre for more information.
Sweden's 2025/6 vaccination campaign got under way in mid-October.
If you do not belong to a risk group, you can also book your influenza vaccine via a private healthcare provider – if you google influensavaccin and your region or city you should find several options. Many regions and clinics offer drop-in times or mobile vaccination units. You may have to wait a few weeks until everyone in a risk group has had the chance to get vaccinated – ask your healthcare provider.
How much does the flu vaccine cost in Sweden?
If you belong to a risk group, the flu vaccine is free.
If you do not belong to a risk group, it usually costs around 300-400 kronor depending on where in Sweden you live.
Becky Waterton, Editor, The Local Denmark
Comments (4)