The influenza season has begun – vaccination appointments available at health stations next week

Several countries worldwide, including across Europe, have reported that the influenza season has started unusually early this year. The season has also begun in Finland, and the number of confirmed cases is on the rise.

“Influenza vaccination is an effective way to protect yourself against influenza and its serious complications,” says Tinja Lääveri, Chief Physician of the Infectious Diseases Unit. She notes that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for optimal protection to develop; therefore, this is an excellent time to get vaccinated.

Influenza and COVID-19 vaccination appointments are available at most health stations until around mid-December. Appointments are widely available, especially for next week, Monday 8 December to Friday 12 December. Vaccinations can also be provided during another scheduled appointment. Please note that the age limit for COVID-19 vaccinations has changed from the previous season. The COVID-19 vaccine is available to individuals in risk groups defined by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), as well as to people aged 75 and older who are not part of these risk groups.

No separate vaccination appointments will be available during the Christmas holiday period or before Epiphany. In January, appointment availability will be limited.

Appointments should primarily be booked through the online booking system. Municipality-specific booking instructions can be found on the seasonal vaccination webpage.

• Influenza vaccinations for children under 7 and pregnant persons are provided at maternity and child health clinics.
• Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations for individuals aged 7 and older who belong to the target groups are provided at health stations.

If you are unable to attend your vaccination appointment, please remember to cancel it by noon on the previous weekday at the latest. We charge over 18-year-olds a fee of EUR 56.70 for missed appointments without prior cancellation. 

The Fluad vaccine, intended for people aged 85 and older and for those aged 50 and older with severe immunodeficiency, is currently out of stock. Vaxigrip vaccines, suitable for all age groups, are widely available.

Read more about seasonal vaccinations in the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County and the target groups defined by THL at https://www.luvn.fi/en/seasonal-vaccinations-western-uusimaa-wellbeing-services-county.

Further information on the THL website:

• COVID-19 vaccinations: https://thl.fi/aiheet/infektiotaudit-ja-rokotukset/rokotteet-a-o/koronarokotteet(external link) (in Finnish and Swedish)
• Influenza and influenza vaccinations: https://thl.fi/aiheet/infektiotaudit-ja-rokotukset/ajankohtaista/influenssa-ja-influenssarokotukset(external link) (in Finnish and Swedish)