The vaccination of children helps to prevent many diseases that were once common and are, at worst, life threatening. The youngest children are at the greatest risk of getting these diseases.
Finland started vaccinations in the early 1800s with vaccinations against smallpox, but the country continued to have a high rate of child mortality for a long time.
According to the Infectious Diseases Registry of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), a total of 123 cases of tick-borne encephalitis were reported in 2022, which is slightly less than the 148 cases in 2021. In previous years, there have been fewer than 100 cases.
Each year, the international vaccination week is celebrated during the last week of April (April 24–30). The aim of the theme week is to protect people from vaccine-preventable diseases by promoting the use of vaccines. Vaccines save millions of human lives every year and inarguably form one of the most successful and cost-effective health measures.
Vaccines should be used more effectively.
Prior to travelling, it is recommendable to update your vaccinations. Additional vaccinations are sometimes needed. Immigrants often require additional vaccinations as well.
Besides bookings and tickets, travellers should also keep their vaccinations in check.
The Finnish National Medicines Day is a national theme day for all users of medicines and health care professionals, celebrated on March 16 with the theme "Keys to Medicinal Treatment – Making Your Treatment Path Smoother".
According to the preliminary analysis of The Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Covid-19 vaccinations prevented over 7300 deaths due to Covid-19 during the time period 27.12.2020–31.3.2022. Additionally, the vaccinations may have prevented over a thousand deaths where Covid-19 would have been a contributing factor.
The Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) have updated their COVID-19 vaccination recommendations for children under 12 years of age. COVID-19 vaccinations are not recommended for all children but some children may benefit from the vaccine based on individual assessment.
Influenza is a much more severe disease than the common cold, and its complications may even prove fatal at worst. It is the only traditional respiratory infection with a vaccine.
Mika Rämet
Professor of Paediatrics and Experimental Immunology
The elderly should get vaccinated to decrease the risk of serious illnesses and reduced functional capacity. By keeping their vaccination coverage up to date, elderly people can lead a full life.
This season’s influenza vaccine distribution has started in September, and the vaccination of social and health care personnel has already begun. Other groups entitled to a free-of-charge influenza vaccine, e.g. those over 65 years and those under 7 years, will begin in October or November.
According to a study almost all (96 %) Finns consider vaccinations important for preventing serious diseases.
A new study shows that vaccination coverage could be strengthened with a digital vaccination card. 79 % of Finns believe that they would take better care of their vaccinations, if vaccination information was included in e.g. a digital vaccination card in the Omakanta service. Additionally over nine in ten people (91 %) would like to be reminded when it’s time to take a booster shot.
