Danish health authorities have begun sending invitations for free influenza and covid-19 vaccination to 1.3 million residents aged 65 and over. The vaccination period runs from October 1 to December 20, 2026.
Sundhedsstyrelsen and Statens Serum Institut are inviting everyone aged 65 and older to be vaccinated against influenza and covid-19. DR reports that the invitations are being sent from today and through the rest of September. They arrive via Digital Post, or as physical mail for people exempt from digital communication.
Sundhedsstyrelsen told Ritzau that 1.3 million citizens can expect an automatic invitation. Appointments can be booked once the invitation has been received. The vaccination period runs from October 1 to December 20, 2026.
Kirstine Moll Harboe, a unit head at Sundhedsstyrelsen, told Ritzau that influenza and covid-19 are not serious illnesses for most people. She said the risk of becoming seriously ill rises with age. According to her, the agency recommends vaccination for people aged 65 and over, and for people with certain chronic illnesses, even if they feel healthy.
Chronic illness also covered
People with chronic illness or otherwise at particular risk are also covered by the free program, according to Sundhedsstyrelsen. That includes people under 65 with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes or a severely weakened immune system.
Other conditions that increase the risk of a serious course of illness are also included. As stated by the agency, children under 18 with chronic illness are vaccinated after an individual medical assessment and consultation.
Pregnant women must book themselves
The influenza vaccination offer also applies to women in their second and third trimester of pregnancy. These residents do not receive an invitation. They can book an appointment from September 29 through vacciner.dk.
Harboe noted that anyone unsure whether they are covered can read more on Sundhedsstyrelsen’s website or speak with their own doctor. The agency published the same guidance alongside the invitation rollout.
The regions and Danske Lægers Vaccinations Service are establishing vaccination centers across the country to carry out the vaccinations. Sundhedsstyrelsen recommends accepting the offer even for those vaccinated in previous years. The agency states that protection declines over time, while influenza and coronaviruses continue to change.
A new vaccination therefore reduces the risk of a serious course of illness and of hospitalization, according to Sundhedsstyrelsen. The rollout follows the arrival of autumn and the approaching season for winter respiratory infections. Denmark has previously paid compensation in a small number of covid vaccine injury cases.
