The City of Helsinki will start giving third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to those over 60 years-old and those who are susceptible to severe COVID-19 (risk groups 1 and 2) next week. Residents of institutions and nursing homes will also receive the third dose.
The third dose can be given to these groups no earlier than six months after the second dose of vaccine.
Times for the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine must be booked in the future. The opening of the bookings will be announced separately.
– The third doses of the vaccine for those 60 years-old and older and those belonging to risk groups is for a longer period. For those who received the COVID-19 vaccination first, i.e. those aged 85-years-old and over, the period of six months after the second vaccination will be completed, on average, in November. For 60-64 year olds, this will be early next year. Before making a booking, it would be good to check that six months have passed since the second dose was given, says Leena Turpeinen, Director of Health and Substance Abuse Services.
Seasonal influenza vaccinations are also starting
– Seasonal influenza vaccinations are also about to begin and their bookings will also open next week. If you would like to take the seasonal influenza vaccination and third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the same time, it is possible as long as six months have passed since the second dose of the COVID-19 vaccination. In this case, there is no need to set aside a separate time for the COVID-19 vaccination, Turpeinen adds.
– Vaccination points will be busy from early November onwards as we begin seasonal influenza vaccinations. Therefore, times must also be booked when taking the third dose of COVID-19 vaccine, Turpeinen continues.
The first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are still available at vaccination points in Jätkäsaari, Kannelmäki, Malmi and Myllypuro, as well as pop-up points. The third dose of COVID-19 vaccine has already been offered to immunocompromised patients and those who received the first and second doses less than six weeks apart. They can still book a COVID-19 vaccination or go for vaccination without an appointment.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) has recommended that the third dose of COVID-19 vaccination be also offered to those aged 60-years-old and over, and those living in institutions and nursing homes, as well as those belonging to medical risk groups 1 and 2.
More information on COVID-19 vaccinations: coronavaccination-en.hel.fi(Link leads to external service).
More information about influenza vaccinations: influenssarokotus.hel.fi/en/(Link leads to external service)
Image: Virpi Velin