New instructions on the use of masks and social distancing for those who have received two vaccine doses
Fully vaccinated persons can, in the view of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), meet other people at home quite safely without wearing a face mask or keeping social distance in some conditions. The recommendation to use masks in public spaces and in public transport, for example, remains valid and it applies to both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated.
A person is considered to be fully vaccinated after having received the full series of vaccine - for the vaccines in use in Finland this means two doses. The condition for this is that at least one week has passed from the second vaccination, to ensure that the protection from vaccination is sufficiently developed.
The instructions also apply to people who have had a laboratory confirmed coronavirus infection and have received at least one dose of coronavirus vaccine. In such a case at least one week must have passed from the vaccination.
When you are fully vaccinated it will be quite safe for you to meet other people without masks or safety distances when:
- You meet the other people in an indoor private space, for example at home or a summer cottage, and those people are also fully vaccinated. In such a case the risk of an infection is very small.
- You meet unvaccinated people in an indoor private space, and those people are all from the same household. You visit a family of friends, for example. A condition for this is that none of the unvaccinated belong to an at-risk group for a severe coronavirus disease. In such a situation the risk that you and the others who are present might get infected is low.
Unvaccinated and at-risk groups still need protection
In everyday life these instructions mean, for example, that a fully vaccinated person may invite fully vaccinated people into their homes for a meal without masks or social distancing. Grandparents can meet their unvaccinated children and grandchildren if the children and grandchildren are healthy and do not belong to an at-risk group for severe coronavirus disease.
Meeting in a private indoor space means meeting in one's home or that of someone else, or at a summer cottage or equivalent location – for example, on a boat.
“It is most important to meet only in small groups and to know the people that you are meeting. Then everyone usually knows if everyone has had both vaccine doses and if someone belongs to a risk group is part of a high-risk group.”
“It is important to recognise that as long as the virus is extensively circulating among the population, no encounters are completely risk-free. Also, nobody is required to tell others about their vaccination status or their illnesses. If there is uncertainty about vaccination status or risk groups, it is always best to use a mask and maintain a safe distance”, says Otto Helve, Chief Physician at THL.
Those having symptoms must always cancel any meetings and take a test even if they have been vaccinated. The Koronavilkku mobile app should still be kept switched on.
Even a vaccinated person can sometimes pass on an infection
The new instructions are based on the results of research on coronavirus vaccines. According to studies, vaccination against coronavirus significantly reduces the shedding of the virus, thereby preventing the virus from being passed on from one person to another. It is important to take both doses of the vaccine, as the second dose extends the protective efficacy of the vaccine and reinforces the protection afforded by the first dose, especially against virus variants.
“However, it is good to keep in mind that the vaccination will not completely prevent infections. Consequently, it is important to use a mask and to keep safety distances when a vaccinated person meets people who do not yet have the protection afforded by a vaccine. An illness or medication that significantly weakens the immune system can also weaken the effectiveness of the vaccine”, Helve points out.
Other recommendations on mask use unchanged
The mask recommendation by THL, which applies to the use of masks on public transport, schools, and public places, for example, remains valid both among the vaccinated and unvaccinated. . The question of where and under what circumstances masks should be used varies according to the phase of the epidemic in a region as well as regional recommendations.
“Masks are still needed, because the risk of the spread of coronavirus exists and new infection clusters are still emerging. Perseverance, precautions, and vaccinations, have helped make the epidemic take a downward turn, and this is something that is worth holding on to”, Helve says.
Recommendation on the use of face masks for citizens
Further information:
Otto Helve
THL
Chief Physician
[email protected]
