Helsinki to distribute iodine tablets for babies, expectant mothers

The City of Helsinki will distribute iodine tablets at maternity and child health clinics for children and expectant mothers from August 28, said the city in a press release on Tuesday.

The distribution aligns with guidelines from the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, which specify that wellbeing services counties are responsible for providing iodine tablets to expectant individuals and children under 3 years of age.

The City will provide the mothers and babies with iodine tablets during their periodic health check-up at the maternity and child health clinic.

The authority also asked the clients to await their scheduled health check-up at the maternity and child health clinic, during which the tablets will be dispensed.

Clients also have the option to collect the tablets from the Kallio or Itäkatu Family Centre, in accordance with the distribution schedule available on the maternity and child health clinics' website.

Iodine tablets are intended for use exclusively in the event of a radiation hazard, following official instructions.

When kept at home, iodine tablets should be stored as a precaution and should not be consumed without an official directive.

Iodine tablets for children over the age of 3 and adults up to 40 years old can be procured from pharmacies.