More than 80 percent of the age groups to be vaccinated have received the first dose – variation in the vaccination rate of young adults

More than 80 percent of the age groups to be vaccinated, meaning those aged 12 or over, have now received the first coronavirus vaccination and 55 percent have also received the second dose. The number of people who have received the first vaccination is now about 4 million, while the number of those that have received the second dose is about 2.7 million. 

"It is particularly gratifying that vaccinations for 12–15-year-olds have progressed rapidly. Now half of this age group has already received the first dose of coronavirus vaccine", says Mia Kontio, Chief Specialist at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. 

Those under the age of 40 should still actively take coronavirus vaccines

The vaccination coverage has progressed to excellent levels in the age groups of 50 to 59 and 60 to 69. Almost 90 percent of the age group of 50, and over 90 percent of the age group of 60 have already received the first dose of vaccine.

However, especially those under 40 years of age should still actively take the first coronavirus vaccines. 

"It is currently apparent that the vaccination rate of young adults has slowed down. In total, 70 percent of people aged 16 to 29 have received the first dose of vaccine, but there is a great deal of variation in the vaccination rate for young adults in different municipalities", Kontio explains.

"In municipalities, the aim is to make it as easy as possible to get a vaccination. Means to do this are increasing the opportunities of getting a coronavirus vaccine without an appointment and increasing the number of vaccination sites."

Large number of vaccines arrived in the country – reducing the vaccination interval to 8 weeks is now easier

This week a record number of vaccines arrived in the country, up to 590,000 doses. In the following weeks, vaccines are estimated to be available at 225,000 doses per week.

"We have now received a good amount of coronavirus vaccines in the country, so it is possible to vaccinate both those who want the first dose and those who want the second dose at the same time. In the current situation, municipalities can reduce the interval between the doses from 12 to 8 weeks. This way, the better protection offered by two doses can be obtained more quickly, which is important now that the highly infectious delta variant is the mainstream virus in Finland,” says Kontio. 

Further information:

Mia Kontio
Chief Specialist
THL
[email protected]