Influenza vaccine deliveries delayed, some vaccinations to take place later
Influenza vaccine deliveries have been delayed, which means that some vaccination appointments will be available later than planned. However, everyone eligible for a free influenza vaccine will receive one. Appointments are still available, and we will release more as further vaccine supplies arrive.
Delays in the manufacture of influenza vaccines are affecting their availability in Finland and elsewhere in Europe. However, all vaccine supplies are expected to arrive in Finland well before the influenza epidemic is forecast to intensify.
“We understand that delays to vaccinations may cause concern. However, there will be enough vaccines for everyone eligible for a free influenza vaccine,” says Topi Turunen, chief physician of the Infectious Diseases Unit at the wellbeing services county.
More appointments will be released as further vaccine supplies arrive
We have temporarily had to remove some influenza vaccination appointments from the booking system. However, appointments are still available.
We will release more appointments once we have more detailed information about vaccine deliveries and further supplies arrive. If you have already booked a vaccination appointment, you do not need to cancel or reschedule it.
Seasonal vaccinations provided in schools and by Disability Services will also take place later than usual this year. There will be no delays to vaccinations for older people living in care homes or receiving regular home care. The delivery delays only affect injectable influenza vaccines and will therefore not affect the nasal spray vaccines given to children aged 2–6.
People at the highest risk of severe influenza will be vaccinated first
As fewer vaccines than usual will initially be available, priority will be given to people at the highest risk of developing severe influenza.
If you are eligible for a free influenza vaccine because you are in close contact with someone who is particularly vulnerable to severe influenza, please book your vaccination appointment for December rather than earlier.
“We want to ensure that those for whom influenza could have the most serious consequences receive the vaccine first,” Turunen says.
It is still worth getting the influenza vaccine at a later date
In Finland, influenza activity usually begins to increase around the turn of the year and continues into the spring.
It is therefore still worth getting vaccinated even if your appointment is postponed. The protection provided by the vaccine gradually decreases over time, so receiving the vaccine later may provide protection further into the spring.
Further information:
Further information about seasonal vaccinations in the Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County and contact details for booking an appointment: