Large number of doses of coronavirus vaccine to arrive in Finland next week

Up to about 356,000 coronavirus vaccines will arrive in Finland next week. This is a significantly large number; about 240,000 doses were imported this week.

“It is certainly a very good thing that we will get so many vaccine doses next week. In the following weeks, deliveries of vaccines are also expected to continue – at a rate of more than 280,000 doses a week, which means that we will be able to maintain vaccinations at a good pace”, says THL Leading Expert Mia Kontio.

Over 50 percent of adult population have had their first doses

This week the proportion of all recipients of the first dose who are over the age of 16 rose to 51 percent.

“Vaccine coverage is rising at a good pace. For example, 80 percent of those aged 50 and over have received at least their first vaccines. At present, vaccines are being offered according to age groups from the oldest to the youngest. In most municipalities, vaccines are under way for those aged 40-60, but in some places, appointments have been given to all aged 16 and over”, Kontio says.

Vaccine coverage varies regionally, and now it is 37–54 percent in different municipalities. Variation in vaccine coverage among regions is affected by many factors, such as:

• Vaccines have been allocated to the regions according to the estimated size of the groups whose turn it is to get vaccinated. 
• BionTech-Pfizer vaccines come in large boxes, and because only full boxes are distributed, the number of vaccines that arrive in the municipalities may vary weekly.
• Willingness among an area's population to take the vaccine affects the pace at which new appointments for injections become available to different age groups.
• Information given to municipalities on the amounts of vaccines affects how quickly municipalities are able to offer new appointments.

About 43 percent of the entire Finnish population, or about 2,4 million people, have had their first doses of the vaccine. About 8 percent, or 460,000 people have already received their second doses. In the coming weeks about 110,000 – 130,000 second doses will be administered.

“It is very important to take the second dose as well to get the best possible protection. The second dose extends the duration of the protection and it boosts the effectiveness of the protection against virus variants that have also been detected in Finland”, Kontio says.

Regional targeting of coronavirus vaccines coming to an end

Under a Government decree, it has been possible to target coronavirus vaccines through the end of May, to areas where the incidence of cases of coronavirus has been at least 100 cases per 100,000 residents. The regional targeting is now over.

In May THL targeted Moderna vaccines to the following areas:

• Week 19: Päijät-Häme 12,000 doses
• Week 20: Päijät-Häme 5,700 doses and Southwest Finland 7,500 doses
• Week 21: Päijät-Häme 10,700 doses and Central Ostrobothnia 3,300 doses

Follow municipal announcements on coronavirus vaccination times

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