Free influenza vaccinations to begin at the start of November - coronavirus booster also available
Many municipalities will begin offering influenza vaccinations for at-risk groups at the start of November. Influenza is a serious illness which can cause severe secondary diseases, including pneumonia, for those in at-risk groups. The influenza vaccine helps prevent the spread of the virus, protecting both one's own health and that of others.
The influenza vaccination is available free of charge for those for whom influenza poses a significant threat, or whose health could significantly benefit from an influenza vaccination.
The free influenza vaccination is available to all who are susceptible to a severe case of influenza - i.e.:
- those over the age of 65
- children between the ages of 6 months and 6 years
- those who are pregnant
- those who are in an at-risk group because of a disease or treatment.
In addition, influenza vaccinations are also given free of charge to
- men starting their military service and women starting their voluntary military service
- persons who live or are spending extensive periods in institutional conditions
- employees of social and health care services and employees working with the pharmaceutical service who are in close contact with patients or customers
- persons who are repeatedly in close contact with a person who is especially susceptible to severe influenza, or with those who are susceptible to severe influenza who cannot be protected by the vaccine.
THL also recommends influenza vaccines for those who are repeatedly in close contact with persons susceptible to severe influenza, but who are not included among those who are entitled to free vaccinations. They must pay for the vaccine themselves.
Both injected and nasal spray versions in use
The vaccination programme for the 2022-2023 influenza season uses the injected VaxigripTetra vaccine for all age groups. For children aged 2-6 the FluenzTetra nasal spray vaccine is available. The same preparations were also in use in the previous season, but two of the four viral strains that they contain have been changed since last year, in accordance with recommendations from the World Health Organisation.
“The WHO checks the viral strains in the vaccines at half-year intervals to make ensure maximum protection against the viral strains predicted for the coming season”, says THL Chief Physician Hanna Nohynek.
Coronavirus vaccine can also be taken along with the influenza vaccine
This autumn a coronavirus booster is recommended for all those aged 65 and over, those over the age of 18 who are part of an at-risk group, and all those over the age of 12 who are seriously immunocompromised. Boosters are recommended regardless of how many coronavirus vaccinations a person has had, or how many times a person has been infected by coronavirus.
However, at least three months must elapse from the most recent coronavirus vaccination or coronavirus infection for the new vaccination to have the desired effect. Preparations tailored for new variants are used in the booster vaccines.
”If the person being vaccinated is getting both a coronavirus and an influenza vaccine, it is recommended that both be given during the same visit. This saves both the time of the person being vaccinated, as well as health care resources”, says THL Specialist Physician Mika Muhonen.
According to their own possibilities, municipalities have been able to start the late autumn coronavirus booster vaccinations before the influenza vaccinations.
Get information on vaccine arrangements from your local health centre
Those who are entitled to a free influenza vaccination can get their vaccination from their own health centre or child health clinic or maternity clinic. Municipalities provide information about arrangements for influenza vaccinations in their own areas, and when and where the vaccines are administered.
Those who are not entitled to a free influenza vaccination may buy the vaccine at a pharmacy with a doctor's prescription and have it injected at a health centre, for example. The vaccines are also available at private medical clinics. Some employers offer their employees vaccinations through occupational health care.
The influenza epidemic has not yet started
The influenza epidemic has not yet begun in Finland. In the autumn a few cases have been reported to the Finnish National Infectious Diseases Register each week, but there has not been growth in the numbers of cases.
THL is monitoring the progress of the flu season and is updating its influenza survey throughout the season.
Further information
Influenza vaccines for people close to susceptible persons (THL)
Up-to-date influenza survey (THL)
Coronavirus booster vaccinations in early winter 2022 (THL)
Mika Muhonen
Medical Specialist (vaccinations and vaccines)
THL
tel. +358 29 524 7897
[email protected]
Hanna Nohynek
Chief Physician (vaccinations and vaccines)
THL
tel. +358 29 524 8246
[email protected]
Niina Ikonen
Senior Specialist (influenza monitoring)
THL
tel. +358 29 524 8413
[email protected]
