The persons next in line for coronavirus vaccination in Helsinki are 16–24-year-olds. The booking of vaccination appointments will open on Monday 21 June for 20–24-year-olds, i.e. persons born in 1997-2001. For 16–19-year-olds, i.e. persons born in 2002-2005, appointment booking will open Wednesday 23 June. You must have turned 16 when you book the appointment.
Vaccination appointments can be made online at bookcovidvaccine.fi(Link leads to external service) or by calling the appointment booking number 09 310 46300.
The fastest way to book an appointment is to use the online service. The appointment booking number is available on weekdays 08:00–18:00. Information on the start of the vaccinations is also published e.g. in newspapers.
Vaccinations are being carried out at the vaccination points in Jätkäsaari, Messukeskus, Malmi and Myllypuro.
More details on coronavirus vaccinations in Helsinki are available on the coronavaccination-en.hel.fi pages.
Vaccinations will proceed as more vaccine doses become available
Vaccines will be administered in Helsinki without delay as they become available. At the moment, about 350,000 Helsinki residents have received their first vaccine jab.
More than 90% of persons aged 70 and over have already received the first jab. For 55–69-year-olds, the vaccination coverage is 83% or higher. Around 79% of 45–54-year-olds have been vaccinated. For 40–44-year-olds, the vaccination coverage is 74%. For 35–39-year-olds, the vaccination coverage is 65%. For 30–34-year-olds, the vaccination coverage is 52%. The vaccinations of 25–29-year-olds began at the start of this week.
“It’s very important that we now get to vaccinate younger age groups. This is important in preventing the epidemic and possible virus mutations coming from abroad”, says Timo Carpén, medical director.
“I recommend that everyone books a vaccination appointment when it’s their turn, even if it’s summer and holiday season. When we reach a high enough vaccination coverage – more than 80% of each age group – we can slowly start getting back to normal life. We have all waited to be able to e.g. travel again and finally enjoy music and cultural events”, Carpén continues.
The City of Helsinki uses two different vaccines. People aged 16–64-year-old are currently being given the Pfizer vaccine. At present, people aged 65 years old and over are vaccinated with the AstraZeneca vaccine or, if they wish, the Pfizer vaccine. The selection can be made via both online and telephone appointments. The specific type of vaccine cannot be chosen at the vaccination point.
Two shots of the vaccines are administered. The Pfizer jabs will be administered at an interval of 12 weeks, in accordance with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare’s recommendation. The interval for AstraZeneca doses can be shortened to 8 weeks. Shortening the dose interval does not apply to Pfizer. Vaccination is free and voluntary for everyone.
Persons who have already had COVID-19 are offered the vaccine after at least six months have passed from the onset of symptoms or the diagnosis of the illness.
More information:
Vaccination of Helsinkians
Picture: Social Services and Health Care Division / Virpi Velin
Published 18 June and updated 21 June.