THL proposes expanding coronavirus vaccinations to all aged 12–15
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is proposing the introduction of coronavirus vaccinations in Finland for all young people aged 12–15.
“Vaccination makes it possible to protect young people, and those close to them against coronavirus disease. As vaccinations help prevent infections, they would also reduce the need for restrictions targeting children and young people”, says Hanna Nohynek, Chief Physician at THL.
Disease is usually mild for young people – indirect effects of epidemic are nevertheless considerable
The pandemic has caused fewer infections requiring hospitalisation, as well as secondary diseases and fatalities among young people than in older age groups. About five percent of the coronavirus infections that were diagnosed in Finland by the beginning of June were among children and young people aged 12–15. An average of two out of every one thousand cases of coronavirus infection among those aged 10–19 have required specialised medical care and a total of five cases requiring intensive care have been recorded. No deaths have been reported so far.
“Although the number of severe cases of the disease among children is small, the restrictions on meeting people, recreational activities, and school resulting from the pandemic have been affecting the lives of children and young people for a long time”, notes THL Chief Physician Otto Helve.
“Coronavirus vaccinations can, for their part, help ease restrictions affecting children and young people, and possibly to eliminate them. This would have a significant effect on the well-being of children and young people."
Research shows vaccine to be effective, with mild negative effects
Young people would be given the Biontech-Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine because it is the only coronavirus vaccine with a conditional marketing authorisation granted by the European Commission for the 12–15 age group.
The efficacy of the vaccine in this age group has been found to be excellent in the study that preceded the marketing authorisation. According to the study, Comirnaty gave those aged 12–15 as good an immune response as it did for those aged 16–25. The adverse effects were also similar to those seen in older age groups. Young people who were studied were seen to have mild and temporary symptoms such as and redness at the vaccination site, headache, and fever.
Comirnaty is currently used extensively among those 12 years of age and older in the United States, where no safety concerns have arisen concerning especially this age group in the safety monitoring of the vaccines. Monitoring of the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine continues after the initiation of the vaccination effort both in Finland and internationally.
The Finnish Institute for Welfare and Health has issued a statement to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on the vaccination of those aged 12–15. A decision on the matter will be made by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the Finnish Government.
THL has previously recommended vaccinating 12–15-year-olds who are in risk groups for coronavirus.
Further information:
Otto Helve
THL
Chief Physician
[email protected]
Hanna Nohynek
THL
Chief Physician
[email protected]
