THL strongly encourages all those aged 18 and over to also get the third coronavirus vaccination

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) strongly encourages all those aged 18 and over to also get the third coronavirus vaccination dose. For those under 60 years of age who are not part of a risk group, a third vaccine dose may be administered 4–6 months from the second dose. 

“The third vaccine dose gives a very good protection against the serious disease requiring hospitalisation caused by the omicron variant. The incidence of hospital treatment is lower for those who have been vaccinated three times compared to those who have received two vaccine doses,” says Hanna Nohynek, Chief Physician at THL.

However, the most important way to curb the strain on hospital care caused by the omicron wave is for those aged 60 or over and those aged 18 or over who are in risk groups because of their underlying illnesses to take the third vaccine dose as soon as possible. Additionally, the vaccinations of social welfare and health care personnel play an important role in securing the carrying capacity of health care.

“The vaccinations of risk groups are a more effective way to prevent serious cases of illness and the burden on hospital care both in specialised medical care and in primary health care. The third vaccine doses for social welfare and health care personnel who provide urgent care are used to safeguard the patients' statutory right to urgent care,” Nohynek continues. 

For the time being, in the age group 12–17, third doses are only recommended for those with severe immunodeficiencies. Out of those who have had the coronavirus disease, the third dose is also recommended only for those with a severe immunodeficiency.

The third dose enhances protection against serious disease

The protective effect of two vaccine doses against severe coronavirus disease remains very good for those under the age of 60 for at least six months. In the age group, the incidence of hospitalisation has so far also been significantly lower among those who have been vaccinated twice than among the unvaccinated. 

“It is possible that the vaccine protection provided by two doses against severe coronavirus disease weakens not only for the elderly and risk groups but also for the younger population. In the current epidemic situation, it is justified to enhance the effectiveness of vaccine protection with a third dose also for those under 60 years of age who are not at risk,” Nohynek says. 

Preliminary studies indicate that the third dose provides a better protection against serious disease than before in adults of all ages. The long-term duration of vaccine protection can be improved by providing booster vaccines over a longer time. 

The course of the epidemic cannot be stopped with vaccines 

The effectiveness of third vaccine doses against the omicron variant infections does not last long. 

“The third vaccine doses cannot prevent infections caused by omicron in the same way as with the previous virus variants. Infections have been observed in all age groups, both in those who have been vaccinated two or three times and in the unvaccinated. The incidence of infections among vaccinated people is still somewhat lower than among those who have not been vaccinated at all. However, vaccines are currently unable to stop the epidemic,” says Mia Kontio, Chief Specialist at THL. 

Currently, over 80% of those aged 60 and over have received the third vaccine dose. Approximately 290,000 people aged over 60 who have received two doses are still missing their third vaccine dose. Approximately 25 per cent of all 18- to 59-year-olds have received a third vaccine dose. 

Further information:

Hanna Nohynek
Chief Physician
THL
[email protected]

Anniina Virkku
Medical Specialist
THL
[email protected]