COVID-19 vaccine uptake to be accelerated through private healthcare

The Government decided on 20 December that private healthcare providers will receive supplies of the current coronavirus booster vaccine. The decision aims to ensure that not only people at risk serious COVID-19 infection can get vaccinated.

The autumn and winter booster is offered in 20 EU Member States either on the recommendation of the authorities or without a recommendation to over 18-year-olds and in one Member State to over 30-year-olds. In accordance with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare's recommendation, the booster is offered free of charge through public healthcare mainly to persons at risk of a serious illness from COVID-19. 

“Finland has received a large supply of the vaccine, and we have enough doses available for also vaccinating those outside the risk groups. Our aim is to improve vaccine availability throughout the country so that everyone over the age of 18 can get a booster if they so wish,” says Minister of Family Affairs and Social services Krista Kiuru.

Making vaccines available through the Finnish system of occupational healthcare may improve vaccine availability in municipalities that lack healthcare staff for vaccinating. The value of the vaccines to be supplied may not exceed EUR 500,000 per company. Vaccines are part of government support for businesses granted under the European Union’s de minimis aid Regulation and rules. 

Vaccines with a maximum value of EUR 9 million can be supplied by the end of 2023. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare will supply the vaccines to hospital districts and wellbeing services counties, which will pass them on to private healthcare providers. The supply volumes primarily depend on the number of vaccine doses needed to vaccinate risk groups.

Inquiries

Tuula Helander, Director, tel. +358 295 163 480, tuula.helander(at)gov.fi

Taneli Puumalainen, Director General, tel. +358 295 163 280, taneli.puumalainen(at)gov.fi