People with chronic disease are offered vaccination against influenza and COVID-19

Advanced age is the most significant risk factor for severe influenza and COVID-19. However, some people under the age of 65 have diseases and conditions that increase their risk of becoming seriously ill with influenza and COVID-19.

Chronic diseases and conditions can weaken the immune system, which means, among other things, that you may be at increased risk of developing a severe case of influenza and COVID-19 because your immune system is not working properly.

The body’s ability to fight infection is also affected, which means that you are at increased risk of complications, such as pneumonia or a prolonged and severe course of illness, if you become infected.

Many people living with a disease know that they are at increased risk of severe influenza or COVID-19 and are therefore recommended to be vaccinated. If you are in doubt, the list below may help you:

The Danish Health Authority recommends that the following people under the age of 65 be offered vaccination against influenza and COVID-19:

• People with chronic disease, including:

  • People with chronic lung diseases.

  • People with cardiovascular diseases (except isolated, well-controlled high blood pressure).

  • People with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

  • People with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency, for example people with immunoglobulin defects, organ or stem cell transplants, people with cancer undergoing chemotherapy or people undergoing other immunosuppressive treatment.

  • People with impaired respiration due to reduced muscle strength.

  • People with chronic liver or kidney disease.

  • People with other chronic diseases where the condition means that influenza or COVID-19 poses a serious health risk, for example people with severe rheumatic disease, severe neurological disease or short bowel syndrome.

• People who are severely overweight (BMI>35).

• People with other serious diseases or conditions that mean that influenza or COVID-19 poses a serious health risk, for example people with severe mental illness, Down’s syndrome or severe substance abuse.

• Pregnant women in their second or third trimester are offered vaccination against influenza.

• People in the same household as people with congenital or acquired immunodeficiency or people in the same household as children at increased risk of severe influenza or COVID-19.

 People on disability pension are also offered free vaccination against influenza.

Vaccination of children under 18 with chronic disease is done after medical assessment and advice. For COVID-19, the assessment is always done by a paediatrician. Only few children need seasonal vaccination against COVID-19 and/or influenza.

In 2025, vaccination against COVID-19 will not be offered to healthy pregnant women.

The Danish Health Authority recommends that pregnant women, regardless of trimester, who have one of the above conditions or diseases that pose a risk of serious illness from COVID-19, be vaccinated in line with other people under the age of 65.