Releases

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.  

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. 

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. 

World Immunization Week – celebrated in the last week of April (24 to 30 April) – aims to promote the use of vaccines to protect people of all ages against disease. Immunization saves millions of lives every year and is widely recognized as one of the world’s most successful and cost-effective health interventions. 

The new corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) causes primarily an acute respiratory infection that is spread as a droplet infection. The clinical picture may vary from almost asymptomatic to severe. Advanced age particularly combined with a basic illness increases the risk of a severe illness and death.

Many municipalities will start vaccinating those in risk groups against influenza at the beginning of November. The influenza vaccination is free for those for whom influenza poses a considerable health risk, or who gain significant health benefits from the vaccination.