Newly Arrived in Sweden

If you have recently moved to Sweden, there are vaccinations that are important to take to help prevent serious diseases. Both adults and children may need to complete their vaccination protection – sometimes against diseases that are common in Sweden, and sometimes in preparation for travel to your country of origin.

Vaccinations to Consider

As a newly arrived adult, you may need protection against, among others, chickenpox, TBE (tick-borne encephalitis), tetanus, whooping cough (pertussis), diphtheria, and HPV. For children, the Swedish childhood vaccination programme applies, but in some cases additional vaccines may be recommended. When travelling, specific travel vaccinations may also be required.

For Newly Arrived Adults:


Chickenpox
  • If you come from a tropical or subtropical country, it is possible that you have not had chickenpox.
  • In Sweden, approximately 98% of the population has had the disease.
  • Chickenpox is highly contagious and often causes more severe symptoms in adults, including a risk of scarring.
  • Recommendation: Get vaccinated if you have not had chickenpox before.

TBE (Tick-Borne Encephalitis)
  • Spread by ticks in large parts of Sweden – including gardens and parks.
  • TBE can cause serious inflammation of the brain.
  • Recommendation: Get vaccinated according to the recommended schedule to maintain protection.

Tetanus, Whooping Cough and Diphtheria
  • Vaccination against these three diseases is given as a combination dose.
  • If you received the vaccine in your home country, booster doses should be given every 20 years, starting at around 30 years of age.
HPV
  • HPV can cause cancer in both women and men, as well as genital warts.
  • Condoms reduce the risk of infection, but vaccination provides the best protection.
  • Many countries, including Sweden, offer HPV vaccination as part of their childhood immunisation programmes.
  • Recommendation: It is never too late to get vaccinated – adults can also be protected.

For Newly Arrived Children

  • In Sweden, children receive vaccinations through child health centres (BVC) and school health services.
  • Your country of origin may have offered more vaccines than the Swedish programme.
  • Visit us and we will help you complete your child’s vaccination protection, especially before travelling back to your previous home country.

Travel Vaccinations

When travelling to your country of origin or to other countries, both children and adults may need additional protection. Examples include hepatitis A & B, meningococcal disease, Japanese encephalitis, yellow fever, and typhoid fever. We offer all standard travel vaccines and personalised travel advice.