Vaccinations

Vaccinations

Decision-making by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health concerning the vaccination programme is made with the support of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). Municipalities are responsible for the practical arrangement of vaccinations.

 

 

Children

Before starting school children are vaccinated against the following diseases

  • polio
  • diptheria
  • tetanus
  • whooping cough
  • measles
  • mumps
  • rubella
  • meningitis
  • meningitis and epiglottitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b
  • diseases caused by pneumococcus
  • human papilloma virus, HPV
  • varicella (chickenpox)

Boosters are given to children by school health care services and to adults by health centres. Vaccinations are not compulsory. Over 90% of parents in Finland vaccinate their children.

Vaccination of risk groups

The vaccination programme in Finland also provides for the vaccination against influenza of children under the age of three, adults of 65 and over and others at risk. People in risk groups for hepatitis A and B and tuberculosis are also vaccinated

Further information

Sari Ekholm, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Medical Affairs 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Safety, Security and Health / TUTO, Biotechnology and Medicines Unit / BILA Telephone:0295163447   Email Address:


Anni-Riitta Virolainen-Julkunen, Senior Ministerial Adviser, Medical Affairs 
Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, Department for Safety, Security and Health / TUTO, Wellbeing and Health Protection Unit / HYT Telephone:0295163324   Email Address: