11 000 Helsinki school children get vaccinations

More than 11 000 children and young people of 12–15-year-old received COVID-19 vaccinations at schools in Helsinki from August, said the City of Helsinki in a press release on Friday.

Vaccination coverage for 12–15-year-olds in Helsinki is now 76 percent for the first vaccine dose. The vaccination was provided at schools to everyone aged 12–15-year-old, regardless of which municipality they were from.

In the future, 12–15-year-olds can go to the vaccination points without an appointment. The appointment for vaccination could be booked online or making phone call.

A guardian can also book the appointment for a minor.

“Children and young people have been active in getting vaccinated at schools, and we have received valuable feedback on the arrangements. However, there is still room for improvement in terms of vaccine coverage. The protection of the vaccination also ensures that young people can continue their studies in contact teaching and participate in events that are important to them,” said Medical Director Timo Carpèn.

Pfizer or Moderna vaccines are used for vaccinations for children and young people.

With the policy of the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), men and boys under the age of 30 will receive the Pfizer vaccine.

12-15-year-olds can decide whether they want to have the vaccination if a healthcare professional administering the vaccine deems them able to make the decision based on their age and development level. If a young person does not want to or is not able to make the decision regarding their vaccination, administering the vaccine requires the guardians’ consent.