Vaccination against COVID-19 in the winter of 2023-2024

-Automatic translation

Vaccination of risk groups from 5 years of age and priority groups is recommended with this updated vaccine against the omicron subtypes that have been dominant this year. The Web site of the Directorate of Health can be found special instructions for COVID-19 vaccinations (Icelandic).

The vaccine may be administered at the same time as influenza vaccines. Risk and priority groups are almost the same for both vaccines, but since flu vaccine delivery does not begin until 16 October and there seems to be more COVID-19 in the community already than this summer, vaccination providers may choose to offer COVID-19 vaccinations before flu vaccinations can begin. It is recommended that the interval between two vaccinations be allowed if possible, to minimize the risk of writing adverse reactions to one vaccine on the other vaccine. If there is occasion, e.g. to travel, then the vaccines may be administered at shorter intervals.

The Chief Epidemiologist recommends that the following risk groups receive priority for COVID-19 vaccination:

• All persons 60 years of age or older.

• All children and adults with chronic heart, lung, kidney, and liver disease, obesity, diabetes, malignancy, or immunosuppressive disease caused by drugs or disease.

• Pregnant women.

• Healthcare professionals who care for individuals in the risk groups listed above.

The vaccine is free of charge to priority groups.

Parties that carry out COVID-19 vaccinations are healthcare centers, nursing homes, hospitals, and certain pharmacies in the capital area, according to contracts from the Ministry of Health. It is noted that the websites of organizations and companies advertise vaccination arrangements in each location.

The Chief Epidemiologist