Finland has 11 new Omicron infections – according to preliminary data, 2 vaccine doses protect against a serious disease caused by Omicron

Press release published in Finnish on Friday December 10th 2021.

11 new coronavirus infections caused by the Omicron variant have been confirmed in Finland. Infections have been diagnosed in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS), South Karelia Social and Health Care District (Eksote), as well as the Hospital Districts of Southwest Finland and Vaasa. 

So far, a total of 20 confirmed infections caused by Omicron have been diagnosed in Finland. In addition to the HUS region, South Karelia, Southwest Finland, and Vaasa, infections have been diagnosed in North Savo. Local authorities are tracing exposed persons and taking preventive measures in the hospital district areas. 

Some of the newly identified cases are related to those previously reported. The majority of infections are related to travel. In two new cases, infected persons do not have a travel history or known connection to previous cases. These new cases belong to the same infection chain.

Third vaccine dose seems to significantly increase protective efficacy against Omicron

There are already confirmed Omicron cases in over 50 countries around the world. Preliminary studies have shown that two doses of coronavirus vaccine offer little protection against mild infection caused by the Omicron variant.

"However, based on preliminary reports, so far there is no evidence that the Omicron variant would pass the protection of two doses of vaccine from severe COVID-19 infection. Furthermore, based on studies carried out in Britain, it appears that the third dose of vaccine significantly increases efficacy against mild disease caused by Omicron, and therefore probably also against a serious disease,” says Hanna Nohynek, Chief Physician at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). 

Mutation is a part of the normal rotation of viruses

The emergence of virus variants is very common and is a part of the normal rotation of viruses. Variants can spread and displace earlier forms of the virus or be overcome by other variants, as has been seen multiple times during the coronavirus pandemic. 

The spread of the Omicron variant can be prevented in the same way as other coronavirus variants: take care of your vaccine protection, good hand and mask hygiene, and safe distances described in the recommendations. If you have symptoms, stay at home, and go get tested for coronavirus, if necessary.

Further information

Coronavirus tests
(THL)

New concerning coronavirus variant Omicron (B.1.1.529)
(THL, in Finnish)

Coronavirus variants
(THL)

Press release: Two new Omicron infections diagnosed in Finland – cases in 50 countries already
(THL)

Carita Savolainen-Kopra (virus variants)
Chief Specialist
THL
[email protected]

Hanna Nohynek (coronavirus vaccinations)
Chief Physician
THL
[email protected]