First research results of studies on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in Finland have been received

The first preliminary research results on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines in Finland have been received. According to the results, vaccination reduced the number of cases of severe COVID-19 requiring hospital treatment by an average of 74% (95% confidence interval 42–88%) in the elderly and 84% (95% confidence interval 34–96%) in those belonging to the risk groups. 

The study includes vaccination data for all people who have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine. The effectiveness of the vaccines has been assessed separately for those aged 70 years or older and for those aged 16–69 in risk groups due to an illness. All the vaccine products used have been combined in the analysis.

The results are based on a register study carried out by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, in which the Care Register for Health Care, the National Infectious Diseases Register and the National Vaccination Register have been used. The data included in the study was collected between 27 December 2020 and 28 March 2021 so results mainly concern the effectiveness of a single dose of vaccine. The data is being supplemented continuously and the research results will become more accurate as the vaccination programme progresses.

Sources

• THL: First estimates of the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines have been received – vaccinations have reduced cases leading to hospital treatment
• Mediuutiset (In Finnish): Preliminary results on the effectiveness of a single vaccine dose against COVID-19 have been received – Reduction in hospital treatment for the elderly about 74% in Finland