Vaccination of 12-15 risk group begins in Helsinki

The COVID-19 vaccinations process for Helsinki residents aged 12-15 this year with an illness or condition that exposes to severe COVID-19 will begin on Tuesday, said the city in a press release.

The booking of vaccination appointments will open on Thursday.

Vaccination appointments can be made online and also by calling over phone.

The children must have turned 12 when they book the appointment. The guardian can also book an appointment for the child.

Vaccinations are being carried out at the vaccination points of Jätkäsaari, Messukeskus, Malmi and Myllypuro.

Underage persons may decide on whether or not to take the COVID-19 vaccine if a health care professional deems them capable of making the decision, based on age and developmental level.

This assessment is made at the vaccination point. In the event that a young person cannot decide on the vaccination, consent from both parents/guardians is required.

The City of Helsinki uses two different vaccines. People aged 16–64-year-old are currently being given the Pfizer vaccine. At present, people aged 65 years old and over are vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine or, if they wish, the Pfizer vaccine. The selection can be made via both online and telephone appointments. The specific type of vaccine cannot be chosen at the vaccination point.