Starting in November, the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County will offer a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine alongside the influenza vaccine
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) recommends that the COVID-19 booster for autumn-winter 2023 be given to everyone over 65, individuals aged 18 and above in medical risk groups, and individuals aged 12 and above with a severely weakened immune system.
The upcoming vaccine is designed to target the new XBB.1.5. variant. The aim is to reduce severe illnesses, hospitalisations, and COVID-related deaths. THL anticipates that this vaccine may not offer significant protection against mild COVID cases or infections.
COVID-19 boosters alongside influenza vaccines in Western Uusimaa
In the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County, residents can obtain the COVID-19 booster vaccine during their seasonal influenza vaccine appointment. Vaccination appointments can be booked from 19 October 2023, and the vaccinations are set to begin in early November.
Updates will be posted on the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County website (www.luvn.fi) throughout September.
Further information:
THL press release: For autumn-winter 2023, THL recommends a COVID-19 booster vaccine with the new variant formulation for the elderly and designated risk groups (in Finnish)(external link)