The Finnish Institute of Health and Welfare (THL), which is responsible for the Covid vaccination plans, will decide on another Covid recommendation for people over 60 and those in risk groups in the next few days.
Chief physician of THL Hanna Nohynek told the A-studio of Yle’s Current Affairs program on Wednesday evening that if there is enough staff, the fourth or second booster dose can be distributed to the 60 plus series right away.
According to Nohynek, the Health Agency is investigating ways in which municipalities could start the second booster rounds in an accelerated schedule.
At the same time, the Minister of Family and Social Affairs Aki Lindén (SDP), said he wanted people over 60 to start getting their fourth vaccination at the beginning of August.
Lindén told Yle on Wednesday that he wants THL to speed up the Covid vaccination schedule and added that the organizational differences between municipalities in the distribution of vaccines also need attention.
“AS SOON AS POSSIBLE”
Pasi Pohjolathe director of strategic affairs of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health told A-studio that the ministry’s view was that the second boosters should be introduced as soon as possible.
Pohjola stated that the ministry has discussed the matter with THL.
Infectious disease manager of Lapland’s hospital district Mark Broasstated that the international community and Finland agree that second shots should be started for those over 60 and those in risk groups.
Broas said there is no reason to delay another boost.
"Hospital workloads have recently increased due to coronavirus infections. Delaying vaccination can cause unnecessary serious illness and death," he said.
Broas added that he thinks the matter should be taken into the hands of the municipalities so that they can implement the effects as soon as possible.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a recommendation on Monday that the fourth doses should be given quickly to everyone over 60 and those in risk groups.
Source: The Nordic Page