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COVID-19 Vaccinations

If you belong to a risk-group, you can now book appointment for COVID booster vaccination. The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given during the same appointment. 

• COVID-19 booster doses and schedule
• Recommended basic series of the coronavirus vaccine
• Effect of previous illness or previous COVID-19 vaccine dose on booster doses  
• What vaccines are used? 
• Influenza vaccination together with the coronavirus booster dose
• Appointment bookings
• Vaccination locations

COVID-19 booster doses and schedule

Booster doses are primarily given in the autumn. Vaccines are free of charge for target groups. One booster dose is given to people in risk 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 80 and over; and 
• persons of all ages with severe immunodeficiency. 

The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) recommends that a booster dose is also offered to:

• all people aged 75–79
• other people aged 18 and over who have two or more diseases that increase the risk of severe COVID-19 illness

THL recommends that COVID-19 booster doses be administered to all target groups at the same time as influenza vaccinations, starting in October 2026.

A booster dose may also be needed for others under special circumstances, based on individual consideration and medical risk assessment.  

For those with severe immunodeficiency, booster doses may be given based on the treating physician’s individual assessment.  

Recommended basic series of the coronavirus vaccine

A single-dose basic series recommends for individuals who have not previously received COVID-19 vaccinations.  

A single-dose basic series is recommended for:  

• persons aged 18 and over  
• persons aged 12 and over who are in a risk group

For those with severe immunodeficiency, starting from 6 months of age, a two-dose basic series is recommended. For persons who have received a stem cell transplant: 2–3 doses based on the individual’s situation. 

Basic series vaccinations are recommended regardless of how many times one has had COVID-19-infection.  

For healthy persons under the age of 75, the basic series provides good protection against severe COVID-19, and booster doses are not needed.  

Effect of previous illness or previous COVID-19 vaccine dose on booster doses  

Vaccination is recommended for target groups regardless of how many booster doses person has previously received or how many times they have had COVID-19-infection. 

It is recommended to have at least six months between the previous COVID-19 vaccine dose and the booster dose.

If a person has had the disease in late summer or early autumn 2026, they do not need a booster dose during that season for protection. If necessary, the vaccine can be given under special circumstances based on individual consideration.

THL recommends that a person who has had COVID-19 receive the vaccine no earlier than 6 months after the illness.

What vaccines are used? 

In Finland, the BioNTech-Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine is used for people of different ages, and the Hipra Bimervax vaccine for people over 12 years of age. The Bimervax vaccine is primarily recommended for people who, due to a severe allergy or other medical reason, cannot receive the Comirnaty vaccine.

The delivery of Hipra’s Bimervax vaccine to Finland will begin later in the autumn.

Influenza vaccination together with the coronavirus booster dose

THL recommends that coronavirus vaccinations be given to all target groups at the same time as influenza vaccinations starting from October 2026.

Appointment bookings

Vaccinations will begin in late October. You can book an appointment through the Citizen’s Health Services at www.pohjanmaa.terveytesi.fi or by phone.

Municipality-specific booking numbers for autumn vaccinations: 

Jakobstad, Nykarleby, Pedersöre and Larsmo
06 781 0330 
Mon, Wed and Fri, 8:00–14:00 

Kronoby
040 806 5700 
Mon–Thu, 8:00–15:00; Fri, 8:00–14:00 

Korsholm, Vörå, Malax and Korsnäs 
06 218 4275 
Tue and Thu, 9:00–11:00 

Vaasa 
06 218 1626 
Mon, Wed and Thu, 9:00–11:00 and 12:00–14:00 

Vähäkyrö 
040 523 6323 
Tue–Thu, 9:00–11:00 

Laihia 
040 184 0462 
Mon–Tue and Thu, 9:00–11:00 

Närpes and Kaskö 
06 218 7670 
Tue–Thu, 10:00–11:00 

Kristinestad
06 218 6012 
Mon–Fri, 8:30–9:30 

Vaccination locations

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/