Skolhälsan

Skolhälsan, or skolhälsovården, is the Swedish public health service that provides health care, promotion, and preventive support to pupils in compulsory and upper secondary school. The service is organized by municipalities, often in collaboration with regional health authorities, and is available to all students during their time in grundskolan (compulsory school) and gymnasiet (upper secondary school). It operates within the framework of national laws and guidelines aimed at safeguarding children’s and adolescents’ health and well-being.

The core aim of skolhälsan is to promote healthy development, prevent illness, and identify health or psychosocial problems early. Services commonly include preventive health checks, screenings (such as growth, vision, and hearing where appropriate), vaccination information and guidance, health counseling, and mental health support. The team typically comprises school nurses, and may also include physicians, psychologists, social workers, (school) counselors, and other professionals. Services are delivered in schools or through local clinics, with some aspects offered after parental consent.

Skolhälsan works in partnership with families, school staff, and other community services to identify needs and coordinate referrals to primary care, mental health services, social services, or dental care when necessary. Confidentiality and privacy are governed by Swedish health and data protection laws, and participation in individual screenings or assessments is generally voluntary, with the exception of certain age-appropriate checks. The program is funded by municipalities and aims to ensure equitable access for all students.