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Fighting infectious disease The aim of fighting infectious diseases is their prevention and to stop them from spreading. Prevention is one of the responsibilities of the social and health care services. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is...

COVID-19 disease in Finland Shortly Since July 2023, COVID-19 has been classified as a monitored communicable disease instead of a generally hazardous communicable disease. Vaccinations continue to be the most important way to protect against seri...

Fighting infectious disease: Responsibilities of the authorities The task of healthcare and social welfare services is to safeguard that the population has the healthcare and social welfare services essential to their health and functional capacit...

Occupational accidents and occupational diseases The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for developing and preparing the legislation concerning insurance against occupational accidents and diseases. The workers’ compensation insu...

EU collaboration project to promote access to genomic data The success of the European ‘1+ Million Genomes’ Initiative relies on wide-ranging collaboration. Among the objectives of the EU project is to ensure secure, cross-border access to genomic...

Department for Clients and Services in Healthcare and Social Welfare The Department for Clients and Services in Healthcare and Social Welfare prepares and develops issues pertaining to the position and rights of the customer and the patient, healt...

Primary healthcare Health and social services centres are the nearest and most familiar care facilities to residents, providing many of the healthcare services organised by the wellbeing services counties. Health and social services centres provid...

10.2.2022 | The national strategy for COVID-19 testing and contact tracing has been updated. The aim is to identify the causes of severe respiratory infections and to prevent the spread of infections particularly among groups of people who have a high risk of developing a more serious form of the disease.

Statutory insurance A significant part of social security in Finland is provided through statutory insurances. This package is called social insurance. The insurance-based forms of social security include earnings-related pension, occupational acc...

Health promotion The MSAH has a general responsibility for guiding and overseeing health promotion in Finland. Health promotion is based on the Health Care Act and is part of public health activity. Health promotion is also regulated by legislatio...

Screening Screening means examination of the population or a certain part of the population, or sampling in order to discover a certain disease or its precursor or to identify a pathogen. The purpose of screening is to look for early signs of a di...

Press releases about Coronavirus Current Issues More healthcare professionals to be allowed to administer vaccines Type: Press release Publication date: 25.4.2024 13.56 New Pandemic Preparedness Plan takes account of experiences during COVID-19 er...

Rehabilitation The aim of rehabilitation is to enhance the individual's functional capacity, independent coping, opportunities for participation, work and study ability as well as their opportunities for employment and continuing working. Rehabili...

Sickness and rehabilitation All people living in Finland are included within the scope of sickness insurance. Sickness insurance provides reimbursements for loss of earnings and costs of rehabilitation. Sickness (Kela) Sickness allowance Paid to 1...

Legislation on health and social services In Finland, the state's responsibility to promote welfare, health and security is rooted in the Constitution. This enshrines the right of everyone to income and to care, if they are unable to manage adequa...

10.3.2022 | The virus that causes COVID-19 continues to circulate through the population. However, vaccines provide effective protection against severe forms of the disease. It is particularly important that people aged 60 or over and those belonging to risk groups get a third vaccine dose. As the restrictions are eased, the focus will be on people’s own measures to prevent the spread of infections.

Health services The aim of healthcare in Finland is to maintain and improve people's health, wellbeing, work ability and functional capacity and social security, as well as to reduce inequalities in health. The healthcare system is based on preven...

Occupational health care and maintaining workability The MSAH directs, oversees and develops legislation on occupational health care Employers must create working conditions that do not adversely affect the health of employees. Occupational health...

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 arrange...

HPV vaccinations By a decision of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, the HPV vaccine has been included in the national vaccination programme (Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree 410/2013). The HPV vaccine prevents cervical cancer ...

Avian influenza In 2023, avian influenza has circulated extensively among wild birds throughout Europe. Black-headed gulls especially have been heavily affected by the virus. In summer 2023, exceptionally large numbers of deaths were recorded amon...

Frequently asked questions about the Act on Secondary Use of Health and Social Data Usein kysyttyä: The law mentions the primary and secondary use of customer data. What is the difference between these two concepts? The primary use of customer dat...

National Cancer Strategy 2026–2035 Cancer is a common disease in Finland. The number of cancer deaths in the country has fallen considerably over the past decades, and as many as two out of three people with cancer recover from the disease. Howeve...

5.3.2020 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for ensuring that Finland is prepared for both unexpected and gradually emerging situations that affect, or may affect, healthcare and social welfare services one way or another.

21.2.2024 | LIITE 3 HUS Kuopio Oulu Tampere Turku YTA alue Koulutus yhteiskustannusmallilla (lisäkoulutusohjelmat) Pediatria lastenendo, sosiaalipediatria, infektio, kardiologia lisäkoul ohjelmat lastenendo, nefrologia lisäkoulutusohjelma lastenendo, sosiaali...

19.2.2021 | The amendments to the Communicable Diseases Act have been approved, and they will enter into force on 22 February 2021. They will strengthen the possibilities of local and regional authorities to take proactive and swift measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Most of the amendments will remain in force until 30 June 2021. 

fi sv en Personalised medicine creates preconditions for more effective treatment Personalised medicine promotes the health and wellbeing of individuals by utilising research, new technologies and a wider range of information resources. The aim is...

The welfare of the population in Finland relies on and is strengthened by health care and health promotion.

19.2.2021 | The Government has submitted to Parliament a proposal for amending two sections of the Communicable Diseases Act. The amendment to section 16 of the Act concerns the right of the Regional State Administrative Agencies and physicians to decide on compulsory health examinations and the amendment to section 22 concerns the obligation of those who have or have been exposed to a communicable disease to provide information about themselves.

International examples to help Finland create governance model for wellbeing economy 4.12.2025 8.46 The economy of wellbeing offers tools for policy makers to secure the preconditions for a good life both for the current population and future gene...

Value of lost labour input in Finland The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has estimated the minimum costs of lost labour input to the Finnish workplaces and society. The costs of lost labour input rise to about 2 billion euros every month. T...

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health guides, directs and develops legislation on occupational healthcare.

18.10.2017 | Pirkko Mattila, Minister of Social Affairs and Health, will attend a high-level conference on noncommunicable diseases in Montevideo from 18 till 20 October.

Children, youth and families The MSAH is responsible for family policy as well as maintaining and developing the welfare of children, youth and families jointly with other ministries. The MSAH's scope of responsibility is particularly concerned wi...

Northern Dimension The Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Wellbeing (NDPHS) provides a platform for expert-level cooperation in the field of health and wellbeing. NDPHS aims to lead the way to sustainable and inclusive soci...

Communications Unit of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health The Communications Unit is in charge of the internal and external information and communications of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health and the related work with stakeholders. ...

Social security internationally The Finnish social security system is largely based on residence in Finland. A person arriving in Finland for work purposes is entitled to residence-based benefits even if they do not live in Finland. The entitlemen...

Legislation concerning income security The Finnish Constitution guarantees the right of all people living in Finland to Adequate social and health services Basic income security Essential subsistence and care. There is a range of legislation gover...

28.6.2018 | By international standards, Finland has been successful in preventing chronic, noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). That is why we can venture to set an example for others.

Support and benefits The Finnish social protection system includes various forms of financial support and benefits designed to ensure that everyone has an equal opportunity to take part in working life and society in general. Children and parentho...

The WHO Pandemic Agreement aims to strengthen international preparedness for pandemics and other public health emergencies.

Department for Insurance and Social Security The Department for Insurance and Social Security directs and steers insurance policy and is responsible for drafting social insurance and other insurance legislation. The Department handles issues that ...

Services to families Services aimed at families support parents or other guardians in their efforts to ensure the well-being and good upbringing of children. Early childhood education and care Finnish early childhood education and care combines ed...

The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health steers and develops chemicals legislation, which also covers colourants and auxiliary ingredients used in tattoos and permanent pigmentations.

16.12.2016 | Improvements are expected in the treatment provided for rare diseases as European Reference Networks launch their activities next year. The purpose of the reference networks is to improve diagnosis, treatment, and research, as well as the provision of high quality health care to patients, whose condition requires specialist care and concentration of resources. On 15 December, the European Refere...

Occupational safety and wellbeing at work Shortly The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for legislation, policies and international cooperation related to occupational safety and wellbeing at work in Finland. The aim is to ensur...

13.2.2026 | Together Against Cancer – Human-Centred Cancer Prevention and Care National Cancer Strategy 2026–2035 Finland National Cancer Strategy 2026–2035 Contents Summary 3 Strategic objectives 5 Current situation and operating environment 6 Cancer in Finl...

Healthcare and social welfare for undocumented persons When it comes to the organisation of healthcare and social welfare, it should be noted that there are people residing both legally and illegally in Finland who are usually referred to as undoc...

Social security and services for people applying for and receiving international protection in Finland People applying for international protection leave their home countries for various reasons, for example, to escape war, persecution or insecuri...

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Minister of Social Affairs and Health Wille Rydman The Finns Party Minister of Social Affairs and Health Wille Rydman is responsible for all other matters covered by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, ...

Amended legislation on health checks for children and young adults Type: Press release Categories: Publication date: 22.12.2025 Request for comments: Legislative amendment would extend right of small alcohol producers to sell their products direct...

Good Work Programme – Creating more appeal and staying power in the healthcare and social welfare sector Mounting service needs driven by an ageing Finnish population, higher rates of chronic diseases, evolving expectations and new technologies – ...

According to the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health Decree on the prescription of medicines (1088/2010), special attention must be given to the safety of pharmaceuticals.

Family benefits The purpose of the benefit system for children and families is to safeguard the subsistence of the child and those responsible for his or her care, and to support the care of the child. The benefits are applied for at the Social In...

10.12.2020 | The Government has submitted a proposal on amending the Communicable Diseases Act. The aim is to strengthen the possibilities of local and regional authorities to take proactive and swift measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Most of the amendments regarding the coronavirus epidemic would be in place only on a temporary basis.

5.12.2025 | Country report: ECDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessment for Finland, 2024 Under Article 8 of the Regulation (EU) 2022/2371 ASSESSMENT ECDC ASSESSMENT Country report: ECDC Public Health Emergency Preparedness Assessment for Finland, 20...

5.12.2025 | 1 Classified as ECDC NORMAL Appendix 10 - Country follow-up to ECDC PHEPA recommendations Following the PHEPA mission conducted in your country, the final ECDC assessment report includes a series of recommendations aiming at supporting your countr...

28.4.2020 | For the time being, the Finnish healthcare and social welfare system has been able to withstand the pressure caused by the coronavirus epidemic, says Kirsi Varhila, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. Varhila provided an account of the current coronavirus situation to the Social Affairs and Health Committee of the Finnish Parliament on 28 April.

10.10.2025 | The digital therapies experiment launched by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health has proceeded to the pilot phase. The experiment brings together public-sector and private-sector operators to test how digital solutions fit into the daily operations of healthcare services. Of 24 applications, ten digital therapy solutions were selected for the experiment.

21.2.2024 | 1 Lastenkirurgian tulevaisuus Suomessa. Asiantuntijamietintö toiminnan turvaamisesta ja kehittämisestä. Salminen J (pj), Nietosvaara Y, Salonen A, Sinikumpu JJ, Syvänen J (siht.) Mietinnön päivämäärä 2.2.2024 SISÄLTÖ: 1. Tiivistelmä 1 2. Johdanto ...

9.12.2022 | The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health requests comments on a proposal for amending the Government Decree on Voluntary COVID-19 Vaccinations. The amendment would make it possible to offer COVID-19 vaccines to children aged six months or over. Under the Decree currently in force, the minimum age for children to be vaccinated against COVID-19 is five years. The deadline for submitting comments is 5 January 2023.

19.6.2024 | The EU ministers will meet at the Employment, Social Affairs, Health and Consumer Affairs Council in Luxembourg on 20 and 21 June 2024. The items of the ministers' agenda include the social dimension of the single market, the revision of pharmaceutical legislation, the health sector's role in crisis preparedness, and the possibility of adopting a Council Recommendation on vaccine-preventable cancers.

21.4.2021 | Sosiaali- ja terveysministeriö EU:n 1+ Million Genomes -yhteistyöaloitteen Suomen toiminnan käynnistäminen Seminaariraportti Kuvailulehti 15.3.2021 EU:n 1+ Million Genomes -yhteistyöaloitteen Suomen toiminnan käynnistäminen Seminaariraportti Julka...

25.11.2021 | The number of new COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Finland. Approximately 7,200 new cases were reported between 15 and 21 November. At the end of October, over 4,000 cases were reported weekly, and during the latest reporting period, between 15 and 21 November, over 7,000 cases. This is over 3,000 cases more on a weekly level. The weekly number of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care has nearly tripled over the past three weeks.

31.10.2025 | Healthcare and social welfare 2040 vision Views and proposals of Ministry of Social Affairs and Health officials regarding needs for changes to the healthcare and social welfare service system Permanent Secretary Veli-Mikko Niemi In “Healthcare an...

2.12.2021 | The number of new COVID-19 cases continues to rise in Finland. More than 8,000 new COVID-19 cases were reported between 22 and 28 November, which is more than 500 cases higher than in the previous week. The incidence of new COVID-19 cases over the last two-week period (15–28 November) was 279 per 100,000 inhabitants. Between 1 and 14 November the incidence of new cases was 201 per 100,000 inhabitants.

19.12.2024 | The Government proposes amendments to the Act on Organising Healthcare and Social Welfare Services concerning preparedness, readiness and incident management in both normal and emergency conditions. The proposal is based on the Programme of Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s Government.

3.5.2024 | The strategy for digitalisation and information management in healthcare and social welfare sparked discussion at a meeting of the ministerial working group on a sustainable welfare society. The ministers of the working group recognise that digitalisation plays an important role in developing new ways of providing services and using existing information to support people’s wellbeing in Finland.

24.6.2024 | C O P E N H A G E N I N S T I T U T E F O R F U T U R E S S T U D I E S Future trends & opportunities in the health and well-being sector J U N E 2 0 2 4 P E T E R A A D A L N I E L S E N The Institute at a glance P A G E 3 CIFS is an independent,...

2.11.2020 | 1+MillionGenomes Roadmap 2020-2022 Summary of the roadmap document adopted on 4 February 2020 by the signatories of the Declaration Towards access to at least 1 million sequenced genomes in the EU by 2022 1+MillionGenomes Understanding the role of...

17.12.2020 | The number of new coronavirus infections is still at a high level, and community transmission is common in different age groups across Finland. It is alarming that more and more infections are found in older age groups and that there is a clear increase in the number of patients in need of hospital care.

29.1.2024 | A recent report compares Finns’ state of health and Finnish health services with other EU states and Nordic countries. Released by the European Commission, focus areas of the report include the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic and mental health. Although Finland does well in many respects, there are challenges especially in the availability of health services.

12.11.2020 | The current epidemiological situation is characterised by rapid regional developments. Finland still has good opportunities to keep the situation relatively stable by international comparison. This requires that people continue to stay alert and patiently follow the guidelines and recommendations issued by the authorities. We should not be lulled into thinking that the epidemic will end quickly.

8.3.2023 | Genome strategy Content Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 3 STRATEGIC GOAL 1: Finland makes use of its unique prerequisites in re...

27.10.2022 | COVID-19 cases are spreading widely among the population, but especially vaccinated people have a lower risk of developing the severe form of the disease. The number of people in hospitals with COVID-19 has increased. However, a large number of these patients are treated mainly for some other reason than COVID-19. Multiple COVID-19 variants are circulating in Finland, but their impact on the epidemic is not yet clear. 

7.4.2022 | There are still no signs of the COVID-19 epidemic abating in Finland. The total number of patients in specialised healthcare and primary healthcare has remained high since the turn of 2021–2022. Vaccinations continue to provide effective protection against the more serious forms of the disease. It is essential that people take measures to prevent the spread of infections.

21.4.2022 | The number of COVID-19 patients in specialised and primary healthcare has decreased slightly. Vaccinations continue to provide effective protection against the more serious forms of the disease. A fourth vaccine dose is recommended for people aged 12 or over who have a severely weakened immune system, people aged 80 or over and all older people living in residential care homes.

5.5.2022 | The number of COVID-19 patients in specialised and primary healthcare started to decline in April. The results of wastewater monitoring also indicate a downward trend in the epidemic. A fourth vaccine dose is recommended for people aged 12 or over who have a severely weakened immune system, people aged 80 or over and all older people living in residential care homes.

13.1.2022 | Nearly 53,600 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Finland between 3 and 9 January, compared to more than 42,100 new cases in the previous week. Cases are now reported even among people who have been vaccinated. The need for inpatient specialised healthcare has grown considerably while the burden on intensive care remains high but relatively stable. Vaccinations continue to provide good protection against the more serious forms of the disease.

26.6.2019 | Decree of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health on vaccinations The following is issued by decision of the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health pursuant to section 54 of the Communicable Diseases Act (1227/2016): Section 1 National vaccinatio...

17.2.2022 | Koronaepidemia on tasaantunut parin viimeisen viikon aikana. Sairaalahoidon tarve on pysynyt tasaisen korkealla tasolla ja tehohoidon kuormitus samalla tasolla kuin viime viikolla. Kolmansien rokoteannosten ottamista suositellaan kaikille 18 vuotta täyttäneille, mutta erityisen tärkeää se on riskiryhmille ja 60 vuotta täyttäneille. Rajoitusten keventyessä korostuvat ihmisten omaehtoiset toimet tartuntojen leviämisen estämiseksi.

5.1.2022 | Around 38,700 new COVID-19 cases were reported in the past seven days, between 26 December 2021 and 1 January 2022, compared to around 19,600 new cases in the previous week. On 4 January 2022, the total number of confirmed cases of the Omikron variant was 363. The overall burden on hospital care has risen, while the need for intensive care has stayed at its high level.

19.5.2022 | COVID-19 also spread widely among the older population in early 2022. This led to a rise in the number of COVID-19-related deaths occurring within 30 days of testing positive. However, this trend took a downward turn in late April–early May. Despite the considerable number of infections, the mortality rate among those who have received at least three vaccine doses has clearly remained at a lower level when compared to the rest of the population.

27.1.2022 | The estimated weekly total of COVID-19 cases was 52,000 in Finland between 17 and 23 January, compared to 57,000 in the previous week. Despite a fall in the number of COVID-19 patients in intensive care, the burden on other specialised healthcare has remained unchanged at the national level. It is particularly important that people aged 60 or over and those belonging to risk groups get a third vaccine dose.

3.2.2022 | It is particularly important that people aged 60 or over and those belonging to risk groups get a third vaccine dose.

3.3.2022 | It is recommended that everyone aged 18 years or over take a third vaccine dose. Although the restrictions imposed due to COVID-19 have been eased, it is still important for people to stay at home when ill, to wear a mask in public indoor spaces and to practise good hand hygiene.

10.2.2022 | The need for hospital care due to COVID-19 has stayed at a high but stable level for two weeks now. The burden on intensive care has reduced considerably since mid-January. Getting a third vaccine dose is an important way of preventing the more serious forms of the disease and curbing the burden on hospital care.

21.12.2021 | Around 13,400 new COVID-19 cases were reported between 13 and 19 December, while in the previous week the number of new cases in Finland was around 10,600. On 20 December, the total number of confirmed cases of the Omikron variant was 83. The burden on hospital care and, in particular, intensive care is increasing.

21.10.2021 | On 20 October, 85 per cent of the target population for COVID-19 vaccination in Finland, i.e. people who are 12 years of age or over, had received at least one vaccine dose and 76 per cent two vaccine doses. According to the current estimate, it is possible to achieve 80 per cent vaccination coverage by the first week of November, if the increase in the vaccine uptake does not slow down.

14.9.2021 | In future, COVID-19 testing will primarily focus on unvaccinated people who have been exposed to the virus and are experiencing symptoms and on vaccinated people who still continue to be at risk of serious illness from COVID-19. This is stated in the national strategy for COVID-19 testing and tracing updated by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health.

24.2.2022 | The need for hospital care has remained at a high but stable level. It is recommended that everyone aged 18 years or over take a third vaccine dose. The epidemiological situation is still serious. For that reason, the focus will be on people’s own measures to prevent the spread of infections as the restrictions are eased.

9.12.2021 | Nearly 9,400 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Finland between 29 November and 5 December. The weekly number of reported COVID-19 cases has doubled from the end of October and the start of November. The number of new cases was about 4,200 between 25 and 31 October and about 5,200 between 1 and 7 November. The number of people seeking testing has also been increasing for several weeks now. The bur...

4.11.2021 | On 3 November, 86 per cent of the target population for COVID-19 vaccination in Finland, i.e. people who are 12 years of age or over, had received at least one vaccine dose and 79 per cent two vaccine doses. According to the current estimate, Finland will achieve 80 per cent vaccination coverage by the end of this week.

28.10.2021 | On 27 October, 85 per cent of the target population for COVID-19 vaccination in Finland, i.e. people who are 12 years of age or over, had received at least one vaccine dose and 78 per cent two vaccine doses. According to the current estimate, it is possible to achieve 80 per cent vaccination coverage at the beginning of November, between 1 and 7 November or between 8 and 14 November, if the increase in the vaccine uptake does not slow down.

14.10.2021 | On 13 October, 85 per cent of the target population for COVID-19 vaccination in Finland, i.e. people who are 12 years of age or over, had received at least one vaccine dose and 74 per cent two vaccine doses. According to the current estimate, it is still possible to achieve 80 per cent vaccination coverage by the end of October, if the increase in the vaccine uptake does not slow down.

2.9.2021 | The number of new COVID-19 cases has continued to fall in Finland, but the favourable development reported last week has slowed down. The total number of new cases reported between 23 and 29 August was 4,064. This is about 300 cases fewer than in the preceding week when the figure was 4,386. COVID-19 continues to spread especially among unvaccinated young people and adults.

11.11.2021 | On 10 November, 86 per cent of the target population for COVID-19 vaccination in Finland, i.e. people who are 12 years of age or over, had received at least one vaccine dose and 80 per cent two vaccine doses. However, reaching this milestone is not enough to reverse the trend of rising COVID-19 infection rates and the growing need for hospital care.

16.9.2021 | The number of new COVID-19 cases has been on a slow decline for the past four weeks. The total number of new cases reported between 6 and 12 September was 3,119. This is about 750 cases fewer than the week before when the figure was 3,887. The epidemic continues to spread especially among unvaccinated 20–49-year-olds.

25.2.2021 | A total of over 3,400 new COVID-19 cases were reported between 15 and 21 February 2021, which is clearly more than in the previous week. The incidence of new cases was 62 per 100,000 inhabitants in the whole of Finland, while in the preceding week, it was 46 per 100,000 inhabitants.

9.9.2021 | The number of new COVID-19 cases continues to fall in Finland, but the number is still high. The total number of new cases reported between 30 August and 5 September was 3,842. This is about 300 cases fewer than the week before when the figure was 4,175.