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Targeted diseases

Vaccines are used to create immunity against infectious diseases. Many of these diseases have already been eradicated from Finland, and vaccines have also reduced their incidence worldwide.

Dengue

Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus, is primarily spread through mosquito bites. The majority of dengue infections are asymptomatic or mild. In severe cases, the infection can develop into dengue hemorrhagic fever or dengue shock syndrome, which can lead to death. Previous dengue infection increases the likelihood of severe disease. The disease is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, South America, and Africa. The vaccine is not included in the national vaccination program, but it can be obtained with a prescription from a pharmacy or medical center.

Chickenpox

A highly contagious disease caused by the varicella zoster virus. The symptoms appear 10–20 days after infection. The characteristic rash spreads as small spots that eventually get larger and turn into itchy blisters. This is followed by the drying and scabbing stage, during which the blisters can develop a bacterial infection. Chickenpox blisters can also appear in other parts of the body, such as the mouth and lungs. The symptoms of chickenpox are more severe among adolescents, adults and pregnant women than in children. The sequelae of chickenpox include pneumonia and encephalitis. The virus remains in the body after the illness and it can be activated many years later, causing a painful condition known as shingles. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme.

Cholera

A dangerous bacterial disease that results in severe diarrhoea. Spreads easily via faeces or contaminated food and drinks. Mainly found in countries with poor hygiene and a lack of clean water. Natural disasters and armed conflicts can lead to cholera epidemics. People in cholera-endemic areas should avoid uncooked food and seafood in particular and be mindful of proper hand and toilet hygiene. The vaccine is not included in the National Immunisation Programme. The vaccine can be purchased by prescription from pharmacies and medical centres.

Corona virus COVID-19

The COVID-19 disease is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, which primarily causes an acute respiratory infection that is spread as a droplet infection. The incubation period of the disease varies from 1 to 14 days, and the symptoms usually begin in 3 days from infection. The clinical picture may vary from almost asymptomatic to severe, and the symptoms may change as the disease progresses. Advanced age particularly in combination with a basic illness (e.g. severe cardiac disease) increases the risk of serious illness and death. 

Diphtheria

A bacterial infection of the throat that can also extend to the larynx and bronchial tubes. The diphtheria bacteria excrete a strong toxin that can damage the nervous system and heart muscle. The disease is spread via respiratory droplets, saliva and kissing, for example. Diphtheria is rare in Finland due to immunisation. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme. The vaccine is given to adults aged 25, 45 and 65 years, and after that the administration interval is 10 years.

Haemophilus diseases

Several diseases caused by the Haemophilus influenzae bacteria, such as meningitis, epiglottitis, pneumonia and sepsis. The diseases are spread primarily via respiratory droplets. There are six encapsulated forms of H. influenzae bacteria as well as non-encapsulated forms that mainly causes otitis media and sinusitis. The Hib vaccine against H. influenzae type B is part of the National Immunisation Programme.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is an infectious disease of the liver caused by a virus that spreads via food and drink contaminated with faeces. Infection may originate from improperly cooked food, contaminated drinking water and ice cubes. Besides yellowing eyes and skin, the symptoms include fever, lack of appetite, nausea and stomach pain, occasionally hepatic failure that can be even life-threatening. The disease is often asymptomatic in small children. The disease usually passes in 2–4 weeks, but fatigue may remain for months after the infection has subsided. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended based on a country-specific risk of infection, with high risk areas including especially Africa, Asia, and Middle and South America. The vaccine is included for risk groups in the National Immunisation Programme.

Hepatitis B

A serious, infectious and long-term inflammation of the liver caused by a virus. Very common around the world. The virus can be transmitted by unprotected sexual intercourse, exposure to infectious blood during a medical procedure, piercings and from an infected mother during childbirth or breastfeeding. The symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea, and jaundice of the skin, eyes or mucous membranes. Some people who are infected go on to develop chronic hepatitis B, which increases their risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer. The vaccine is included for risk groups in the National Immunisation Programme.

Human papilloma virus infections (e.g. cervical cancer)

The human papilloma virus (or HPV) causes infections of the skin and genitals. Some asymptomatic HPV infections progress to become cancers of the cervix, vagina, vulva, penis or anus. HPV also causes cancer of the head and neck area. There are over 200 different types of HPV. The most important cancer causing HPV types are HPV16 and HPV18. HPV6 and HPV11 also cause wart-like condylomas of the genitals. The virus is spread by sexual intercourse and oral sex.  Using a condom reduces the risk of infection. By preventing papilloma infections, the HPV vaccine helps to prevent the precursors of cervical, vaginal and vulvar cancer, as well as actual cases of cancer. For optimal effectiveness, the vaccine should be administered before the individual becomes sexually active. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme for children aged 10–12.

Influenza

A respiratory infectious disease that involves fever and is often severe. Spreads via respiratory droplets or by hands contaminated with influenza viruses. Influenza occurs as epidemics mostly during the winter season all around the world. Healthy adults generally recover from the disease after 1–2 weeks by resting. In young children, the elderly and people with underlying illnesses, influenza can lead to sequelae, such as ear infections or pneumonia, or even death. The influenza vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme for children aged under 7, people over 65 years of age, pregnant women, members of risk groups, those close to a person susceptible to serious influenza, part of social welfare, healthcare and medical care personnel and men starting their military service and women starting their voluntary military service. The vaccine is given annually.

Japanese encephalitis

A severe viral infection of the brain that is spread by mosquitoes. Found extensively in Asia. The disease is usually asymptomatic or only causes mild symptoms. A symptomatic disease is often severe and begins with flu-like symptoms. Of those severely ill approximately a third will die. Additionally a disease with severe symptoms leaves permanent damage for approximately a third of those who recover. The risk of infection is low for tourists who do not spend much time in rural areas. Protection from mosquitoes is nevertheless important, especially during the dark times of the day. The vaccine is not included in the National Immunisation Programme. The vaccine can be purchased by prescription from pharmacies and medical centres.

Malaria

A serious and life-threatening disease caused by a parasitic protozoan that spreads via mosquito bites. The symptoms include fever, chills and headache. Malaria is particularly found in tropical Africa. As there is no vaccine for the disease, antimalarial medications are used for prevention. The choice of antimalarial is influenced by regional resistance, the traveller’s age, other medication used, potential pregnancy, chronic illnesses and the duration of the trip. Antimalarial drugs do not provide complete protection from malaria. Protection from mosquitoes is essential in areas where malaria is endemic, particularly during the dark times of the day. This includes wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and socks, using mosquito repellents and sleeping under a mosquito net.

Measles

A viral infection which often begins with fever, respiratory symptoms and redness and light sensitivity of the eyes. These symptoms are followed by a rash that starts on the face. The disease can later develop into pneumonia or otitis media. Inflammation of the brain is the most feared sequela of measles. Measles infects as respiratory droplet and contact infection and is highly contagious. In the absence of immunity, more than 90 per cent of those who come in contact with a measles patient will be infected. Measles has been almost entirely eradicated from Finland. There are only a few cases per year. Measles remain common and deadly around the world, and even Finland faces a genuine risk of an epidemic due to the vaccination coverage being too low in certain places. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme.

Avian influenza

Avian influenza is caused by influenza A viruses primarily found in waterfowl. Humans can contract the infection from infected birds or materials contaminated with bird droppings, but human-to-human transmission is rare. The disease can range from asymptomatic or mild respiratory infections to severe symptoms. Old age and underlying diseases increase the risk of serious disease. 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.

Mpox

An infectious disease caused by a virus. Mpox (previously known as monkeypox) is transmitted primarily from animals to humans, but it can also be transmitted between humans, particularly in direct contact with skin lesions of a patient, and also as droplet transmission in sustained facial close contact. As a rule, mpox is poorly transmitted in contact between humans. In 2022 most infections outside Africa were contracted during sex. The cutaneous symptoms usually manifest 1-3 days after the start of fever. A vesicle type rash appears particularly in the face, hand and feet areas. Usually the disease is self-limiting when the symptoms have lasted 2-4 weeks. Mpox can also cause a serious disease particularly in those with a weakened immune defense. In Finland the mpox vaccine is given to people who are exposed to mpox or belong to a risk group.  

Meningococcal diseases

Meningococcal bacteria spread via respiratory droplets and can cause meningitis, a severe systemic infection or even sepsis leading to rapid death. Meningococcal diseases are particularly found in Sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Ethiopia. There are also occasional small local epidemics in Europe. There are many types of meningococcal bacteria, with A, B, C, W and Y being the most significant. Vaccines are available against the ABCWY serogroups. In the National Immunization Programme the meningococcus vaccination is administered to conscripts and persons who have an increased risk of a serious meningococcal disease due to a basic illness or their medication.

Mumps

Mumps is a viral infection of the salivary glands. The symptoms are fever and swelling of the salivary glands and the neck area. The complications of mumps may include testicular inflammation and meningitis. Testicular inflammation may cause infertility. Mumps has been eradicated from Finland thanks to immunisation, but cases still occur in other parts of the world. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme.

Pneumococcal diseases

Pneumococcus is a significant cause of severe bacterial infections, such as meningitis and sepsis. Pneumococcus infection is often the cause of middle ear infections in young children. Pneumonia and systemic infections caused by pneumococcus, which spreads via respiratory droplets, constitute the most significant fatal infectious diseases besides influenza. There is a significant risk of death associated with bacterial pneumonia and sepsis particularly in the elderly. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme for young children. It is also offered free of charge to persons who have received a stem cell transplant, to those under 75 years of age who are severely immunocompromised or suffer from severe nephrotic disease (GFR ≤ 30, nephrotic syndrome) and to 65-84 years old patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).  

  • Lääkeinfo.fi: Synflorix (in Finnish)
    • Conjugate vaccine (PCV10) for children under five years of age
    • For infants as part of the National Immunisation Programme
  • Lääkeinfo.fi: Prevenar 13 (in Finnish)
    • Conjugate vaccine (PCV13) for children and adults
    • In the National Immunisation Programme for stem cell transplant patients, for those under 75 years of age who are severely immunocompromised or suffer from severe nephrotic disease and for those 65-84 years old patients with asthma or COPD 
    • Recommended for risk groups (available from pharmacies by prescription)
  • Lääkeinfo.fi: Apexxnar (in Finnish)
    • Conjugate vaccine (PCV20) for adults
    • In the National Immunisation Programme for stem cell transplant patients, for those under 75 years of age who are severely immunocompromised or suffer from severe nephrotic disease and for those 65-84 years old patients with asthma or COPD 
    • Recommended for risk groups (available from pharmacies by prescription)
  • Lääkeinfo.fi: Pneumovax (in Finnish)
    • Polysaccharide vaccine (PPV23) for children over two years of age and adults
    • As a booster and supplementary vaccine for individuals who have previously received the conjugate vaccine, at the physician’s discretion
      • In the National Immunisation Programme for stem cell transplant patients and 2–4-year-old children in risk groups
      • For members of risk groups and people over 65 years of age from pharmacies by prescription
  • THL, Infectious diseases: Pneumococcus (in Finnish)
  • THL, Immunisation: Pneumococcal vaccines 
Polio

A viral disease that infects children in particular. The disease is asymptomatic in most cases. Some will develop flu-like symptoms, like fever and malaise. When the virus penetrates into the central nervous system, it damages the nerve cells responsible for muscle movement and causes the paralysis of the corresponding muscles, and later their atrophy. Post-polio symptoms, such as fatigue, muscle pain and joint pain, can appear years after the acute disease. Although polio has been eradicated from Finland thanks to a comprehensive immunisation programme, polio still occurs in some countries. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme.

Rabies

Rabies is a deadly viral disease that causes inflammation of the brain. Rabies is spread via the bite of an infected animal, or by having an infected animal lick punctured skin. The initial symptoms of fever, headache and feeling unwell may not start until weeks after infection. Subsequent symptoms can include hallucinations and convulsions triggered by swallowing. Once symptoms begin, the disease is untreatable and fatal. Although there is no rabies in Finland, the disease remains common even in Finland’s neighboring areas, such as Russia. Rabies can be spread by stray dogs, for example. The vaccine is not included in the National Immunisation Programme. The vaccine can be purchased by prescription from pharmacies and medical centres. Leisure travellers must pay for the vaccine themselves. Rabies vaccinations for people exposed to the rabies virus due to work-related reasons are paid by the employer. Individuals exposed to the rabies virus must always be vaccinated. Therefore, the treatment provider pays for the vaccines in such cases in Finland.

Rotavirus infection

Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting among infants and young children. The symptoms of watery diarrhoea and vomiting, and occasional fever, typically last five days. The disease is less common and less severe in adults. The disease involves the risk of dehydration, particularly for young infants. The virus spreads via respiratory droplets and contact with contaminated surfaces, such as toys and door knobs. While rotavirus-related deaths are rare in Finland, it is estimated that more than half a million children die of the disease each year in third-world countries. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme.

Rubella

A viral disease that is often mild. Spread by respiratory droplets, the symptoms of rubella include fever, irritated mucous membranes and swollen lymph nodes. The faint rash spreads from the head to the trunk and limbs. The rash often fades quickly. Rubella can have a negative effect on a fetus in early pregnancy. Endemic disease has been eradicated from Finland, and foreign contagions are rare. German measles still occur in other European countries, and outside Europe German measles remain a common childhood illness. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme.

RS-virus

RS virus (respiratory syncytial virus) causes a mild upper respiratory tract infection in adults and older children. In elderly and young children, it can cause a severe lower respiratory tract infection, pneumonia, or bronchiolitis, which can lead to severe breathing difficulties and may require hospitalization. RS-virus spreads efficiently through droplet transmission and usually causes infections during the winter season. The vaccine is not included in the national vaccination programme, but it can be obtained with a prescription from a pharmacy or medical center.

Shingles

Chickenpox leaves behind the varicella zoster virus. If the virus is reactivated, it causes a painful condition known as shingles. In addition to a rash with blisters, some people develop ongoing severe nerve pain that can last for months or years. The risk and severity of the illness and prolonged nerve pain increase with age. The shingles vaccine can reduce the risk of illness and nerve pain. The vaccine is not included in the National Immunisation Programme. The vaccine can be purchased by prescription from pharmacies and medical centres.

Tetanus

A life-threatening disease caused by bacteria commonly found in soil. The potential sources of infection include animal bites and having a cut or puncture wound contaminated by soil or sand. The bacteria multiply in the wound and release a neurotoxin into the bloodstream. Even a small quantity of the toxin interferes with nerve function in muscles. Advanced cases of tetanus lead to respiratory failure. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme. The vaccine is given to adults aged 25, 45 and 65 years, and after that the administration interval is 10 years.

Tick-borne encephalitis

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a viral disease spread by ticks. The virus can also be transmitted in unpasteurised milk. More than half of the infections are asymptomatic. Approximately one week after being bitten by a tick, the patient develops a fever that lasts slightly less than a week. In one third of the cases, the disease continues after a fever-free period of 3–21 days as recurring high fever and central nervous system symptoms. The symptoms go on for a long time for some patients. In Finland, the ticks that spread the disease are primarily found on the Åland Islands and coastal areas. National Institute of Health and Welfare defines risk areas each year and the residents or long-term residents are vaccinated in the National Immunisation Programme. Ticks also spread Lyme disease, for which there is no vaccine. 

Tuberculosis

A common, globally significant and deadly infectious bacterial disease. Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but it can also affect other organs. The symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis are sputum and a cough that can last for as long as several months. The majority of those infected remain asymptomatic through their entire lives, but symptoms can appear decades after infection due to reduced immune function caused by aging, for example. While tuberculosis is mainly a problem in third-world countries, the disease is also found in Russia and the Baltic countries. The vaccine is included for risk groups in the National Immunisation Programme.

Typhoid fever

A severe bacterial systemic infection caused by the Salmonella Typhi bacteria, which can be acquired from unclean water and contaminated or improperly cooked food. With symptoms including high fever, headache, stomach pain, diarrhoea or constipation, this disease can lead to serious complications and is estimated to be responsible for 128 000 – 161 000 deaths per year, mainly in the developing countries. The disease is typically found outside urban areas in Asia, Africa and South America. Vaccination should be considered for those travelling to high risk areas and staying there for longer than a couple of weeks. The vaccine is not included in the National Immunisation Programme. The vaccine can be purchased by prescription from pharmacies and medical centres.

Whooping cough (pertussis)

A bacterial disease that causes extended flu-like symptoms and, if the disease drags on, severe coughing fits. The bacteria spread via respiratory droplets and and the infectiousness is at its greatest during the early phase of the disease. In infants, whooping cough can cause interruptions in breathing and the condition may be life-threatening. The vaccine is included in the National Immunisation Programme and it is given to adults at 25 years of age. In addition, the vaccine is recommended to everyone who is pregnant.

Yellow fever

An acute and often fatal viral disease categorised as a haemorrhagic fever. Spread by mosquitoes. In addition to fever and nausea, the disease can cause renal and hepatic failure as well as hemorrhaging. Yellow fever is found in tropical regions, particularly outside urban areas, and in the jungles and savannahs of Africa, Central America and South America. Some countries require visitors to present certificate of yellow fever vaccination on entry. The vaccine is not included in the National Immunisation Programme. The vaccine can be purchased by prescription from pharmacies and medical centres.

Page published 07.10.2022 | Page edited 11.10.2024