Use of AstraZeneca vaccine recommended only among under 70

The National Vaccine Expert Group (KRAR) appointed by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) recommended that the use of AstraZeneca's coronavirus vaccine should be restricted to people aged below 70.

The expert group discussed the issue on Tuesday and made the recommendation, THL Chief Physician Hanna Nohynek told a press conference on Wednesday.

Replying to a query regarding choosing 70 as the age limit instead of 65 decided by some other European countries, Nohynek said the selection was made based on the country’s experience.

“The risk of a fatal form of COVID-19 increases among the people more than 70 years old,” she added.

People more than 70 years old will be administered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine while the AstraZeneca vaccine will be used for immunising first the risk groups aged below 70 and healthcare professionals and then the other age groups, said Nohynek.

“The two vaccines are almost equally efficient against the serious form of COVID-19,” the THL chief physician emphasised.

The authority also is extending the gap to 12 months between the first and second vaccine dose with the view to speed up the vaccination of elderly people.

The THL noted that the vaccination schedule depends on the availability of vaccines. Finland aims to vaccinate between 2.5 million and 3.5 million residents by the beginning of this summer, said Nohynek. Vaccination is free of charge and voluntary in Finland.