THL for COVID vaccine winter booster dose

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) encouraged all for whom the winter booster of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine is recommended to get the vaccination as soon as possible, said the THL in a press release on Monday.

The winter booster vaccine protects the elderly and others in at-risk groups against severe coronavirus disease and the risk of death.

“Many vaccination locations are closed on the holidays as well as the days between Christmas and New Year’s and getting vaccinated for both COVID-19 and influenza before Christmas is worthwhile, if possible. Many people meet friends and family during Christmas, so it is good to have immunity established before that. This is another reason why it would be important to get the vaccinations now”, said THL Chief Physician Hanna Nohynek.

More than 600,000 doses of the COVID-19 booster, which has been tailored for variants, have been administered in Finland. The recommendation applies to about two million people, which means many of those who would benefit from the vaccination have not taken their winter boosters.

“Those who have had coronavirus disease more than three months ago have been getting additional protection against a severe disease because of the infection. Those who are part of an at-risk group should take the booster nevertheless”, said THL Medical Specialist Mika Muhonen.

“We must also keep in mind that the elderly has significantly fewer COVID-19 infections than the younger population. This means that many lack fresh protection against severe coronavirus disease”, Muhonen added.

The COVID-19 situation has remained stable in Finland for several months. The burden placed on specialised health care has remained unchanged, but in primary care the number of patients has slightly increased.