People with chronic disease are offered vaccination against influenza and COVID-19
If you have a chronic illness or a specific medical condition that increases your risk of severe illness from influenza or COVID-19, the Danish Health Authority recommends that you get vaccinated, regardless of your age. From the end of September, you can bookn an appointment for free vaccination between 1 October and 20 December.
Advanced age is the most significant risk factor for severe influenza and COVID-19. However, some people under the age of 65 have diseases or conditions that increase their risk of becoming seriously ill from these infections.
Certain chronic diseases and conditions can weaken the immune system and the body's ability to fight infections. This may make it easier to develop severe illness and increase the risk of complications such as pneumonia. Many people living with a medical condition are aware that they are at increased risk of a severe course of influenza or COVID-19 and are therefore recommended vaccination. If you are unsure whether this applies to you, the list below may help.
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, such as COPD.
People with cardiovascular diseases (except isolated, well-controlled high blood pressure).
People with type 1 or type 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 respiratory impairment due to muscle weakness.
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 rheumatological disease, severe neurological disease or short bowel syndrome.
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 disorder.
People who are severely overweight (BMI>35).
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 receiving a disability pension are also offered free vaccination against influenza.
Vaccination of children under 18 years of age with chronic disease is offered following an individual medical assessment and advice. For COVID-19 vaccination, the assessment is always carried out by a paediatrician. Only a small number of children need seasonal vaccination against COVID-19 and/or influenza.
The Danish Health Authority recommends COVID-19 vaccination for pregnant women, regardless of trimester, if they have one of the above-mentioned conditions or diseases. COVID-19 vaccination is not offered to healthy pregnant women.