Helsinki increases COVID-19 vaccinations

The City of Helsinki is boosting and accelerating COVID-19 vaccinations as the coronavirus pandemic escalates, said the city in a press release on Monday.

At the beginning of January, a fifth vaccination point will open in Messukeskus and after the turn of the year, vaccinations will also be administered in the evenings and on Saturdays.

The involvement of private occupational health services will speed up vaccinations for working-age people.

“As the Omicron variant spreads, we want to do everything we can to speed up COVID-19 vaccinations for Helsinki residents. This is reflected in a number of concrete measures,“ said Director of Health and Substance Abuse Services Leena Turpeinen.

Helsinki will try to ensure that people over 60 and those at risk receive the third vaccination dose as quickly as possible.

The Malmi vaccination point opened on Boxing Day 26 December.

In addition, Helsinki will open vaccination points for people aged 60 and over in senior centres and hospitals in January.

“It is important to ensure that the elderly and those at risk are vaccinated, as they are at higher risk of developing severe form of COVID-19,” said Medical Director of Health Stations Timo Lukkarinen.

Third doses are also available by appointment for adults aged 18–59. The first and second vaccinations are available without an appointment directly at the vaccination points.

The Helsinki vaccination points in Jätkäsaari, Kannelmäki, Malmi and Myllypuro are open on weekdays 8:15–16:00 during the days leading to New Year’s Eve.

On Monday, the Itäkatu and Kallio family centres started vaccinating children aged 5–11 years who belong to at-risk groups.