Protect yourself against winter epidemics and book appointment for vaccination
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by viruses. Influenza epidemics occur every winter. Because the virus changes from year to year, the vaccine must also be taken every autumn.
– It takes about two weeks for protection to develop, and in Finland the influenza season usually begins in November. Most people who are vaccinated avoid the illness. If a vaccinated person does contract influenza, the illness is usually milder and recovery is faster,” says Silvia Grönroos-Pada, Chief Physician in Infectious Diseases.
Free vaccination for people in risk groups and those close to them
The influenza vaccine is offered free of charge to:
- people aged 65 or over
- people who belong to a risk group because of an illness or treatment
- pregnant people
- all children aged 6 months to 6 years
- people starting military service or voluntary military service.
The influenza vaccine is also available to people who are in close contact with someone who is particularly susceptible to severe influenza, and to people at increased risk of contracting avian influenza.
If you do not belong to a risk group or are not close to someone in a risk group, you can ask about vaccination, for example through student health services or occupational health care. You will pay the vaccine yourself.
COVID-19 vaccination at the same appointment
COVID-19 is still circulating, and people in risk groups should protect themselves through vaccination. The influenza and COVID-19 vaccines can be given during the same appointment.
This year, a COVID-19 booster dose is offered to:
- people aged 75 or over
- severely immunocompromised people of all ages
- people aged over 18 who have two or more illnesses that increase the risk of severe COVID-19.
There should be at least six months between COVID-19 vaccine doses.
The easiest way to book is online
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