Have you heard the “news” that Sweden banned mandatory vaccination in their country?
Is that true?
Did Sweden Ban Mandatory Vaccination?
Like most other anti-vaccine myths, this one isn’t true.
Sweden did not ban mandatory vaccination.
“…vaccination coverage is still high and stable, that the diseases covered by the programs are under control…”
Riksdag Social Committee report 2016/17: SoU7
In March 2017, the Riksdag, or Swedish parliament, did vote against a proposal that called for mandatory vaccination. This came as other countries in Europe are seeing lower rates of immunization, rising rates of vaccine-preventable disease, and calls for vaccine mandates. In fact, France and Italy recently implemented vaccine mandates.
“The general vaccination program has a good coverage, and most children are protected against measles and polio, for example. There are, however, skepticism about vaccinations, both the vaccinations included in the basic program and others. In our view, however, it is of societal interest that the vaccination program is implemented in its entirety, and many of the myths and incorrect data circulating about the vaccination program need to be treated and pinned. We therefore consider that the government should provide the appropriate authority with the task of designing an information campaign on the benefits and necessity of the childhood vaccination program.”
Riksdag Social Committee report 2016/17: SoU7
Although the Swedish parliament voted against a motion that would have started a mandatory vaccination plan, there was nothing to ban. Sweden has never had a mandatory vaccination.
It is also clear that they see the problem that anti-vax groups are causing in their country and are working to combat them.
That will hopefully keep them from needing a mandatory vaccination program.
What to Know About the Myth of Sweden Banning Mandatory Vaccination
Sweden, with good immunization levels and low rates of vaccine-preventable disease, did not ban mandatory vaccination.
More on the Myth of Sweden Banning Mandatory Vaccination
- Riksdag Social Committee report 2016/17: SoU7
- Vaccines in Sweden
- Identifying reasons for low vaccination coverage in Sweden
- Flawed Swedish Anti-Vaccine Article Rejected and Retracted
- Skåne Regional Council Indirectly Finances Anti-Vaccine Campaign
- The Insanity that is Swedish Anti-Vaccine Crankery
- Swedish Anti-Vaccine Infection Parties for Measles and Rubella
- What We Could Learn From Sweden
Last Updated on May 16, 2018