Influenza and COVID booster vaccination appointment booking is now open
Influenza epidemics occur every winter. Influenza viruses cause a sudden respiratory infection, typically accompanied by high fever, muscle ache and headache, and nausea.
– Influenza is particularly dangerous for the elderly, young children, pregnant women and those in risk groups due to underlying conditions. Persons in these groups are more susceptible to complications, emphasizes Silvia Grönroos-Pada, Chief Physician of Infectious Diseases
Influenza vaccination coverage has been lower in Ostrobothnia in all age groups compared to other regions in Finland.
– Low vaccination coverage directly affects, for example, the burden on healthcare during an epidemic. By getting vaccinated, you protect yourself and those around you, and you also contribute positively to ensuring that everyone receives quality care even during an epidemic, explains Grönroos-Pada.
Influenza vaccinations are planned to be given to all target groups at the same time as COVID booster vaccinations.
Schedule for influenza vaccinations
Influenza vaccinations will be given starting from 20 October 2025. Groups entitled to a free influenza vaccination are as follows:
- pregnant women
- everyone aged 65 and over
- children aged 6 months-6 years, see the contact information for child welfare clinics here.
- those belonging to at-risk groups because of an illness or treatment
- men starting their military service and women starting their voluntary military service
- persons with an increased risk of contracting avian influenza (bird flu).
In addition, persons caring for clients and patients, as well as social, healthcare and medical care personnel, along with those close to a person susceptible to a serious influenza infection, are entitled to receive a free influenza vaccination.
COVID booster vaccinations and schedule
Administration of the 2025 booster vaccines will begin in September–October, and the aim is to provide them during the autumn. The vaccines are free of charge for target groups.
This year, THL recommends booster doses for the following target groups:
- elderly residents of care homes or elderly clients who use home care services regularly or cared for by family caregivers
- persons aged 75 and over
- persons of all ages with severe immunodeficiency
- persons over 18 who have two or more conditions that increase the risk of severe COVID. (In Finnish Vakavan taudin riskiryhmät – THL).
Appointment bookings
We primarily recommend using the digital appointment booking service Citizen’s online health services (Kansalaisen terveyspalvelu).
Appointmets can also be booked by phone.
Pietarsaari, Uusikaarlepyy, Pedersöre and Luoto
Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 08:00-14:00 tel. 06 781 0330
Kruunupyy
Monday-Thursday: 08:00-15:00 and Friday: 08:00-14:00 tel. 040 806 5700
Mustasaari, Vöyri, Maalahti and Korsnäs
Tuesday and Thursday 09:00–11:00 tel. 06 218 4275
Vaasa
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 09:00–11:00 and 12:00–14:00 tel. 040 679 0680
Please note that in Vaasa, adults are also vaccinated in maternity clinics, children’s clinics and contraception clinics.
Vähäkyrö
Tuesday–Thursday 9:00–11:00 tel. 040 523 6323
Laihia
Monday, Tuesday and Thursday 9:00–11:00 tel. 040 184 0462
Närpiö and Kaskinen
Tuesday–Friday 09:30–10:30 tel. 040 160 0943
Kristiinankaupunki
Monday–Friday 8:30–9:30 tel. 06 218 6012
Children’s vaccinations are given at the Child Welfare Clinic or via school health care.
More information about vaccinations can be found at: https://en.osterbottensvalfard.fi/vaccinations/