Whooping cough is an upper respiratory tract infection caused by the Bordetella pertussis bacterium, which spreads through droplet transmission. A typical symptom is paroxysmal coughing that lasts for several weeks. The vaccine is administered according to the national vaccination program to children, adolescents, 25-year-olds, and pregnant individuals.
Chickenpox is a highly contagious disease caused by the Varicella zoster virus, characterized by a blister-like, intensely itchy rash. Complications following the illness may include bacterial skin infections and pneumonia. After recovery, the virus remains dormant in the body and may reactivate even years later, causing painful shingles. The vaccine is included in the national vaccination program.
Shingles (herpes zoster) is a localized blistering skin condition caused by the varicella-zoster virus. The risk increases when the body’s immune defenses weaken, for example with aging. Typical symptoms include pain and a burning sensation at the site of the rash. The most common long-term complication is persistent pain and sensitivity to even light touch in the affected area. The vaccine is not part of the national immunization program, but it can be obtained with a prescription from a pharmacy or a medical clinic.
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccine is given in the National Vaccination Program for all people over the age of three who are long-term permanent residents or those who reside long-term in holiday apartments in risk areas of the tick-borne encephalitis.
HPV (human papillomavirus) causes cutaneous and genital infections. A genital HPV infection can progress to cancer of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis or anus. Additionally papillomavirus can cause head and neck cancer. The HPV vaccine is included in the National Vaccination Programme for 5. and 6. year pupils.
Tetanus orlockjaw is a seriousillnesscausedbythetoxin of thebacteriumClostridiumtetani. The soil and animal intestines containlarge amounts of the bacteria. E.g. animal bites and wounds contaminated by soil or sand can lead to Clostridium infection. Tetanus vaccine is included in the Finnish national vaccination programme.
Avian influenza is caused by influenza A viruses primarily found in waterfowl. Vaccination is offered free of charge to individuals aged 18 and older who are at increased risk of avian influenza, such as those working in relevant occupations.
