Persons who have had Covid do not generally need a second vaccine dose - a second dose can be administered e.g. due to travel 

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has updated information on its website concerning persons who have had Covid. For the time being, a person who has had Covid does not usually need another dose of coronavirus vaccine from the perspective of vaccine protection. However, a second dose may be given if this is necessary for reasons such as travel or other substantial reasons. 

One dose of coronavirus vaccine protects persons who have had the disease 

Only one dose of coronavirus vaccine can be administered in place of two for persons who have had Covid. Having Covid protects the majority of people for at least 6-12 months. 

Studies have shown that a person who has had the disease receives at least the same level of protection from one vaccine dose as others do from two doses. A second vaccine at the intervals currently used no longer significantly improves the protection provided by one dose for those who have had the disease. 

A person who has had Covid may get more severe transient vaccine reactions, such as a fever, a headache and muscle and joint pain, from another dose of the vaccine. Follow-up studies will provide answers to whether booster shots will be needed in the future.

However, a previous case of Covid is not an obstacle for getting vaccinated a second time, and another dose of vaccine may also be administered if necessary for substantial reasons. 

"It is important to get vaccinated against the coronavirus even if you have previously had Covid. However, based on current information, in most cases, one dose is still sufficient,” says Hanna Nohynek, Chief Physician at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

In exceptional cases, two doses of vaccine are recommended even for those who have had Covid

In some exceptional cases, a person should get a second vaccine dose even if they have had Covid. 

If a person falls ill with Covid less than six weeks after the first vaccine, a second dose of vaccine is recommended. In order to achieve the best efficacy there should be a 6 week interval between vaccination and illness.

In addition, a second dose of vaccine is recommended for those who have had the disease and are aged 60 or over or at medical risk of severe Covid, if at least 6 months have passed since they had Covid or had their previous vaccine dose.

Further information

Hanna Nohynek
Chief Physician
THL
[email protected]

Mia Kontio
Chief Specialist
THL
[email protected]