Helsinki will continue coronavirus vaccinations for 1st to 5th graders in schools this week. No appointment is needed for getting a vaccine at school.
Schools provide the first and second vaccine doses. Vaccination is offered to all 1st to 5th graders regardless of their place of residence.
If a child has been diagnosed with a laboratory-confirmed coronavirus infection less than 6 weeks after the first dose, a second dose is recommended at the earliest 4 to 6 months after the infection. If there is a gap of more than 6 weeks between the first dose and the infection, the second dose is not necessary for protection.
Vaccination requires the permission of the guardians
The consent for the vaccination can be given with this form(Link leads to external service). The consent form is required for the first vaccination or if the first vaccination was received at some other vaccination point or family centre. A pupil does not need to bring a new consent form for a second vaccination if the school already has one.
The guardians can give their consent with different forms. A pupil cannot be vaccinated without signed consent from both guardians.
Coronavirus vaccinations at Itäkatu and Kallio Family
Centres
Pupils who are not at school at the time of the vaccination can get a vaccine at the Itäkatu or Kallio family centre by making an appointment. The vaccination is by
appointment only.
The easiest way to book an appointment is to visit bookcovidvaccine.fi(Link leads to external service). An appointment can also be booked by calling 09 310 46300 on weekdays from 8:00–16:00.
Children are vaccinated with mRNA
The vaccine for children aged 5 to 11 is BioNTech-Pfizer’s Comirnaty 10 micrograms/dose designed for this age group. More information on vaccines is available on the THL website(Link leads to external service). Getting a vaccine is voluntary and free of charge.
Further information
- THL – Coronavirus vaccinations for children and young people(Link leads to external service)
- Vaccination of Helsinkians – coronavaccination-en.hel.fi
- UNICEF
– How to talk to your child about COVID-19(Link leads to external service), 8 tips (in Finnish)(Link leads to external service)
Photo: Virpi Velin