Coronavirus vaccines will be targeted at the regions of Central Ostrobothnia and Päijät-Häme next week

The regional incidence of coronavirus infections in Central Ostrobothnia is currently 197 cases per 100,000 residents, and the corresponding rate in Päijät-Häme is 113. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare is targeting a total of 14,000 doses of coronavirus vaccines for these areas next week. 

“The regional incidence in Central Ostrobothnia has risen rapidly in the past week, and more vaccines are being earmarked for the areas next week. Incidence in Päijät-Häme has also remained high, as it has been in recent weeks, and the regional targeting of vaccines there will continue as has been done in the preceding weeks. In other parts of the country, the incidence is lower and no regional targeting will be made for these areas”, says THL Leading Expert Mia Kontio.

According to a Government decree, it is possible to prioritise coronavirus vaccines until the end of May in areas where the incidence of the virus has been at least 100 cases per 100,000 residents in the previous 14 days. 

Coverage of first doses of vaccines reaches 40 percent of the population

The first doses of the vaccines have been given to 2.2 million people in Finland. Coverage of the entire population by the vaccine is about 40 percent, and the figure for those 16 years of age and over is 48 percent. It is now estimated that coronavirus vaccines will have been made available to all those 16 and over by the end of July.

“A total of 258,750 doses of the vaccine have been imported into the country in the past seven days. Next week about 240,000 doses are expected in Finland, after which the number is set to increase. In June between 285,000 and 360,000 vaccines are expected to come to Finland each week. This is excellent news, as it will be possible to offer the vaccines to more people in the coming weeks”, Mia Kontio says.

So far, nearly all health care professionals caring for coronavirus patients, as well as all those 70 years of age and older, and all members of high-risk groups have had at least one dose. Vaccines are now being offered to others according to age groups from the oldest to the youngest. 

You can book your own coronavirus vaccination in your municipality when it is your turn to get it. Information on which groups are currently being vaccinated in the municipality and how you can book your appointment is published on municipal websites, in newspaper announcements and through other communication channels. 

Progress of COVID-19 vaccinations  (in Finnish)

Further information:

Mia Kontio
THL
Leading expert
[email protected]