Finland has sufficient coronavirus vaccines for all people

About 84 percent of Finnish residents over the age of 12 have now received their first vaccine doses, and about 68 percent have been vaccinated twice, said the the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) in a press release on Tuesday.

A total of 4.1 million people have been given one dose and 3.3 million have been given two doses.

“Finland has been supplied very well with coronavirus vaccines, and there is no shortage now. There are plenty of vaccines for all who wish to be vaccinated, both for a first and a second dose. Owing to the good vaccine supply, third doses can be given immediately to those with strong immune deficiencies and to those among the first to be vaccinated who have been vaccinated twice with an interval of less than six weeks between the vaccinations”, said Mia Kontio, Chief Specialist at THL.

“Many of those over the age of 40 who would need to get themselves vaccinated have not yet done so. Many people of different ages over the age of 40 who have not been vaccinated have been hospitalised for the coronavirus”, Kontio added.

Significantly fewer than 80 percent of those aged 20-29 and 30-39 have received their first vaccinations. Fewer than 60 percent of those aged 30-39 have received their second doses and for those aged 20-29 the figure is slightly above 40 percent.

“It is crucial for young adults also to get a second dose of the vaccine, because a serious disease presentation requiring hospital treatment is possible for younger people as well”, Kontio said.

At present about 67 percent of those aged 12-15 have received their first vaccine doses. The second vaccinations for this age group will soon start in many municipalities.

It is important to get the coronavirus vaccine even if you have had the disease.

The protection brought on by having been infected by the coronavirus or having had coronavirus disease only lasts 6-12 months.

“According to current information, a prior coronavirus infection or a case of coronavirus disease does not provide extended protection against a serious disease presentation requiring hospital treatment. It is therefore important for people to get vaccinated even if they have previously been infected by coronavirus”, Kontio added.