Finland has a comprehensive national vaccination programme. Here is what you need to know as a newcomer.
Finland vaccination programme covers children and adults and is free of charge. It includes vaccines against diseases like measles, polio, whooping cough, tetanus, and many others. Vaccines are administered at health centres and maternity/child clinics.
If you come from a country with a different vaccination programme, your health centre nurse will assess your vaccination status and offer any missing vaccines for free. Common vaccines offered to adult immigrants include MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), polio booster, tetanus-diphtheria, and hepatitis B if at risk.
Annual influenza vaccines are offered free to risk groups (elderly, pregnant, people with chronic conditions). COVID-19 vaccines are available free for all residents. Check your local health centre for availability and schedules.
Bring your vaccination records from your home country to your first health centre appointment. The nurse will transfer them to the Finnish system. If you do not have records, blood tests can determine your immunity to certain diseases.
Common mistake
Assuming your childhood vaccines from another country cover everything in the Finnish programme. Programmes vary between countries, and some boosters may be needed.
Good to know
Finland has one of the highest vaccination rates in Europe. The national programme is based on recommendations by THL (Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare) and is continuously updated based on the latest medical evidence.