Finland ready for rapid vaccination

Finland is preparing for rapid vaccination of its population when enough vaccines are available in the country, said the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in a press release on Thursday.

The availability of vaccines is the most significant factor affecting the vaccination rate, said the THL.

At present, Pfizer’s mRNA vaccine is in use in Finland, and Moderna vaccines are expected to arrive in the next few days. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) will process Astra-Zeneca’s application for marketing authorisation for the adenovirus vector vaccine in the week beginning from 25 January. The potential marketing authorisation is expected to significantly increase the availability of COVID-19 vaccines.

COVID-19 vaccinations have progressed to larger vaccination groups and vaccinations have begun in more locations. This week, the majority of regions have started vaccinations in elderly care homes.

“Personnel in intensive care units and other social and healthcare professionals in the first target groups have now been vaccinated comprehensively. This week, most catchment areas have moved on to nursing homes, where vaccinations are given to both residents and staff,” said THL Chief Specialist Mia Kontio.

There are effective practices for extensive vaccinating already in place. More than 1.5 million people have been vaccinated against influenza in a few months each year.

Many municipalities have also planned to implement extensive vaccinations in new ways, such as through mass vaccination centres set up in large public spaces, where several people can be vaccinated simultaneously.

In Tampere, for example, COVID-19 vaccination of the population will be arranged through a multi-lane vaccination line. In Lappeenranta, the aim is to carry out vaccinations in a shopping centre for easy access.