Ministerial Working Group on COVID-19: Vaccination strategy and testing and tracing strategy are up to date

On 22 June, the Ministerial Working Group on COVID-19 received an epidemiological review as well as an overview of the updated vaccination strategy and testing and tracing strategy.

The strategies have been updated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and will be introduced on 1 July 2022.

The most important goal of the COVID-19 vaccination strategy is to protect the population from the severe forms of the disease

The Ministerial Working Group discussed the updated vaccination strategy. Vaccinations keep society open, secure the capacity of the healthcare system and reduce the incidence of the severe form of the disease in particular. The objective is to increase the share of vaccinated people in the population in ac-cordance with recommendations, especially in groups that have a high risk of developing the severe form of the disease.

Older people still have the highest risk of developing the severe form of the COVID-19 disease. Certain underlying health conditions and medications that can weaken vaccine efficacy also increase the risk of the disease. High vaccination coverage of healthcare and social welfare personnel helps prevent institutional epidemics. The vaccine protection of the population will be strengthened as required by the epidemiological situation and by medical evidence. Finnish experts are actively monitoring the situation along with national and international research evidence.

Large-scale testing and tracing is not necessary in the current situation

The goal of the testing and contact tracing strategy is to prevent the spread of infections among people in risk groups, guide patients with severe symptoms to treatment and secure the capacity of the healthcare system. In future, contact tracing will focus on situations in which it is particularly important to limit the spread of the epidemic.

Based on the current pandemic situation, there is no need for extensive testing and tracing of COVID-19 infections among the entire population. Many Finns also have good vaccine protection against the severe form of the virus. In healthcare services, the following groups in particular will be tested in future:

• Patients with severe symptoms in accordance with medical principles 
• People with mild symptoms who belong to high-risk groups
• Pregnant women
• Healthcare and social welfare employees

People who have been exposed to or infected by the virus or who have symptoms of a respiratory infec-tion, even if mild, should still avoid contacts.

Reimbursing municipalities for costs incurred from the COVID-19 epidemic

The Ministerial Working Group discussed the reimbursement of COVID-19 related costs incurred by mu-nicipalities during the epidemic in 2022. The proposal will be circulated for comments as soon as possible.

Inquiries:  
Laura Lindeberg, Special Adviser to Minister Lindé[email protected]
Taneli Puumalainen, Director General, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, [email protected]
Veli-Mikko Niemi, Director General, Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, [email protected]

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