The epidemiological trends of the past two years have not supported prioritizing COVID-19 vaccinations in the autumn; instead, COVID-19-related illness has been more prominent during the summer months than in mid-winter. Therefore, it has been decided not to run a major COVID-19 vaccination campaign alongside the influenza vaccinations this autumn. Instead, COVID-19 cases in healthcare facilities will be closely monitored, and vaccination will be encouraged if the situation calls for it.

Moreover, there have been significantly fewer serious illnesses caused by COVID-19 in recent months compared to previous years, despite decreasing vaccine uptake among high-risk groups. As a result, the recommended age for vaccination-regardless of other risk factors-has been raised to 75 years. The list of high-risk groups among younger individuals, who are especially encouraged to seek vaccination, has also been revised in consultation with infectious disease specialists. Doctors may still recommend vaccination for patients with other underlying conditions, such as lung disease. Vaccines are available and healthcare institutions may order them.

It cannot be ruled out that the vaccination campaigns of the past two winters contributed to the reduced incidence of COVID-19 illness during those winter seasons compared to the months prior to the autumn vaccination efforts. The situation will therefore continue to be closely monitored to see whether this earlier pattern persists. Although no large-scale campaign is currently planned, there will be no restrictions on the distribution of vaccines.

The Chief Epidemiologist