A third vaccine dose is now recommended also for those aged 12-17 years who belong to a high-risk group, and a fourth dose is recommended to those aged over 80 years as well as seniors in nursing homes

The Finnish institute for health and welfare (THL) recommends administering a third dose of corona vaccine to those aged 12-17 years who belong to a high-risk group, when at least six months have passed after the second dose. Booster doses have already been offered to those aged 12 years and above with severely weakened immune defence. A third dose is also recommended to those aged 12-17 years who do not belong to a high-risk group, if it’s necessary for other than medical reasons, e.g. travelling.

Additionally THL recommends a fourth dose for those aged 80 years and above, and all seniors in care homes, when at least three months have passed after the second dose. A fourth dose has already previously been recommended for those with severely weakened immune defence.

The corona virus is still widely prevalent in the population, and corona vaccines continue to protect from the severe form of the disease. According to studies by THL those belonging to a medical risk group and those aged over 80 years however have a slightly decreased protection against the severe form. It’s very important for those belonging to risk groups and those aged 60 years and above to take all the recommended vaccine doses. When the restrictions concerning the corona virus are gradually lifted, in addition to a maximally high vaccination coverage it’s important that people observe personal cautions.

Sources

• THL recommends a third COVID-19 vaccine dose for young people aged 12–17 who are in the high-risk group
• COVID-19 continues to circulate through population but vaccines provide effective protection against severe forms of disease
• THL study: The effectiveness of Covid-19 vaccines against severe disease in the elderly is excellent
• THL recommends fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine to those aged 80 and above, and to seniors living in care homes
• Mediuutiset: THL suosittelee kolmatta koronarokotusta riskiryhmiin kuuluville 12–17-vuotiaille (in Finnish)
• Mediuutiset: THL tutki: Kolmannen koronarokotteen suojateho vakavaa tautia vastaan iäkkäillä on erinomainen – ”Ei siis ole vielä huolta hiipumisesta” (in Finnish)