50% youths get 1st dose of coronavirus vaccine

More than half of young people and young adults have already had their first dose of the corona vaccine, said the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in a press release.

About 50 percent of 16 to 19-year-olds have already been vaccinated. In the 20–24 age group, the figure is 56 percent and in the 25–29 age group 58 percent.

“The Delta variant is currently spreading rapidly in Finland, especially among young adults, and recently, cases of infection have focused on this age group. For this reason, it is important that young people and young adults make an appointment to get vaccinated as soon as this is possible in their area,” said Anniina Virkku, Medical Specialist from THL.

There are currently about 3.6 million people who have received the first dose of the vaccine, or about 65 percent of the total population. About 1.7 million people, or about 30 percent of the total population, have received a second dose of the vaccine.

It is possible to get the first dose of the vaccine in some municipalities without an appointment. Instructions for making an appointment, or information on whether vaccinations are available in the municipality without an appointment, can be obtained by following the updates on the municipality's website, press releases and other communications.

“The second dose of the vaccine is currently available in all municipalities by appointment only. Even during the summer, it is important to remember to get your second dose of the vaccine, as this will ensure a longer lasting and more effective protection against the coronavirus,” said Virkku.

There is flexibility in some locations on the dosing intervals of the mRNA vaccine. The recommended interval between doses is still 12 weeks, but municipalities may reduce this period by a few weeks at their discretion if vaccine availability is good in the area and shortening the dose interval does not delay anyone else’s first dose of the vaccine.

“The most important thing is still to ensure that everyone has access to their first dose of the corona vaccine. If the vaccination situation in the municipality is good, the vaccination intervals can be shortened so that vaccinations can proceed as smoothly as possible,” Virkku added.