Helsinki begins vaccinating 55-64 risk group

The City of Helsinki on Monday began the process of vaccinating persons of 55 to 64 years old having an illness or condition that places them at extremely high risk of severe COVID-19.

Helsinki residents born in 1957–66 can book vaccination appointments, said a press release.

Illnesses or conditions that very highly expose people to severe COVID-19 are organ transplant or stem cell transplant, actively treated cancer disease, severe immunological disorder, severe chronic nephropathy, severe chronic pulmonary disease, drug-treated type 2 diabetes and down syndrome (in adults).

The vaccine being used is the one produced by AstraZeneca. It is allocated to persons aged below 70, based on a national-level policy.

During the following week, Helsinki will be able to give ca. 4,000 AstraZeneca vaccine shots. The vaccination of persons aged 65-69 (born in 1952-56), who are at extremely high risk of severe COVID-19 due to an illness were started at the beginning of this week.

Two shots of the vaccine will be administered at an interval of 12 weeks, in accordance with the National Institute for Health and Welfare’s recommendation.

The appointment for the second dose of vaccination is set in conjunction with the first dose. Persons who have had COVID-19 are recommended to get vaccinated six months after the beginning of the symptoms or the diagnosis.

Vaccinations are administered at the vaccination points of Jätkäsaari, Messukuskus, Malmi, and Myllypuro.

Earlier, from 2 February, the city began the process of vaccinating persons who will turn 85 this year or are already older as well as their informal carers.