Finland to vaccinate 12-15 age group

The government on Thursday at a meeting has decided to offer COVID-19 vaccines to all children and young people aged 12–15.

The government amended the decree on voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations and the amendments will enter into force on 9 August, said the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health in a press release.

Children and young people will be offered the BioNTech-Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine. BioNTech-Pfizer is the only vaccine currently in use in Finland that is authorised for use in people 12 years of age or older. Comirnaty is an mRNA vaccine.

A minor can make the decision on whether to get vaccinated if the healthcare professional administering the vaccine determines that, based on their age and level of development.

If a young person does not want to or is not able to make the decision, administering the vaccine requires the consent of the parents or guardians. Vaccination against COVID-19 is voluntary.

Vaccinations can be carried out, at the discretion of the regional authorities, for example in schools or in connection with the mass vaccination of the adult population.

So far, COVID-19 vaccines have been available to all people over 16 years of age and to people 12–15 years of age who belong to medical risk groups.