The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County to distribute iodine tablets for children under 3 and pregnant individuals
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has revised its guidelines for radiation emergency preparedness. Following these guidelines, the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County will distribute iodine tablets suitable for children under 3 years, given that pharmacies do not currently stock iodine products that can be administered to young children.
The tablets will be distributed for children under 3 and pregnant individuals in all municipalities of the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County during child and maternity health clinic appointments. Other wellbeing services counties are also distributing iodine tablets at no cost for the aforementioned groups. Espoo and Kirkkonummi residents may also pick up the tablets as follows:
Espoo residents
- Monday 4 September at 16.00–18.00, Kivenlahti maternity and child health clinic, Merivalkama 2
- Tuesday 5 September at 16.00–18.00, Leppävaara maternity and child health clinic, Konstaapelinkatu 2
- Wednesday 6 September at 8.15–10.15, Espoon keskus maternity and child health clinic, Kamreerintie 6
- Thursday 7 September at 16.00–18.00, Iso Omena Maternity and Child Health Clinic, Suomenlahdentie 1
- Friday 8 September at 8.15–10.15, Iso Omena Maternity and Child Health Clinic, Suomenlahdentie 1
Kirkkonummi residents
- Tuesday 5 September at 16.00–18.00, maternity and child health clinic, Wellbeing Centre, Jokiniityntie 2
- Tuesday 12 September at 16.00–18.00, maternity and child health clinic, Wellbeing Centre, Jokiniityntie 2
Iodine tablets should be kept at home strictly as a precautionary measure
Iodine tablets should not be consumed without an official directive from rescue authorities. Detailed guidelines will be provided at child and maternity health clinics.
A radiation hazard incident may release radioactive iodine into the environment, heightening the risk of thyroid cancer. This poses the greatest threat to children of growing age. Adults do not face the same level of risk, which is why iodine tablets are no longer advised for those over 40. Iodine tablets for children over three years of age and adults up to 40 years of age can be bought from pharmacies.