Finland: COVID-19 vaccine to be offered to all 12–15-year-olds in Finland

NordenBladet — COVID-19 vaccines will now be offered to all children and young people aged 12–15. The Government amended the decree on voluntary COVID-19 vaccinations accordingly on Thursday 5 August, and the amendments will enter into force on 9 August 2021. 

Children and young people will be offered the BioNTech-Pfizer Comirnaty vaccine or the Moderna Spikevax vaccine. These are the only vaccines currently in use in Finland that are conditionally authorised for use in people 12 years of age or older. Both vaccines are mRNA vaccines.

A minor can make the decision on whether to get vaccinated if the healthcare professional administering the vaccine determines that, based on their age and level of development, the minor is able to make that decision. If a young person does not want to or is not able to make the decision, administering the vaccine requires the consent of the parents or guardians. Vaccination against COVID-19 is voluntary.

Vaccinations can be carried out, at the discretion of the regional authorities, for example in schools or in connection with the mass vaccination of the adult population.So far, COVID-19 vaccines have been available to all people over 16 years of age and to people 12–15 years of age who belong to medical risk groups.