THL has updated its instructions on getting tested for coronavirus
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has updated its instructions on getting tested for coronavirus. The update is based on the new testing strategy released by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. A person who has received two coronavirus vaccines does not usually need to get tested even if they experience symptoms. Instead, people who are completely unvaccinated or who have only received one vaccine dose should get tested if they develop symptoms.
Testing is generally not necessary for people vaccinated for coronavirus twice
Getting tested is usually not necessary when a person has received two doses of coronavirus vaccine, even if symptoms occur, if the second dose was received more than a week ago.
“In general, a person who has received two vaccine doses does not need to get tested for coronavirus when experiencing the common symptoms of a viral infection, such as headache, fever or a runny nose. However, people should not go to school or work even with mild symptoms. If symptoms become severe, people should always contact health care services directly”, says THL Chief Physician Otto Helve.
If a person has received two doses of coronavirus vaccine, they are recommended to get tested when they experience symptoms of a coronavirus infection and they
- have received their second vaccine dose less than one week ago, or
- have been exposed to a confirmed case of Covid-19 during the previous two weeks, or
- live in a care and nursing unit for the elderly, or
- work in the social and health care sector in nursing or care, or
- are in a risk group for serious coronavirus disease, or
- belong to a group for which a third vaccine dose is recommended but have not yet received it.
Getting tested when symptoms occur is still recommended for unvaccinated people and those who have received only one dose
THL recommends getting tested for coronavirus if a person experiencing symptoms does not have the protection provided by two vaccine doses. Getting tested for coronavirus is recommended when a person is experiencing symptoms of a coronavirus infection and they
- are completely unvaccinated against coronavirus, or
- have only received one dose of the coronavirus vaccine, or
- have contracted coronavirus disease more than 6 months ago and have not received a coronavirus vaccine.
Children under 12 years of age do not always need to get tested for coronavirus if they become ill.
What to do if a child or teen shows symptoms of a coronavirus infection?
“Hospital districts’ instructions on getting tested may differ from THL’s recommendation, for example due to the regional epidemic situation. You should check the instructions of the health authorities in your area to find out when you should get tested”, Helve explains.
The communicable disease control physician of a municipality or hospital district may, at their discretion, also make testing decisions that do not align with THL’s recommendation.
More information
Otto Helve
Chief Physician
THL
[email protected]
