There are currently no plans for a fifth vaccine to be given to a wider group of people.
The National Institutes of Health and Welfare of Finland (THL) announced on Wednesday that people with severely weakened immune systems they should receive a fifth dose of the Covid vaccine.
According to THL chief physician Hanna Nohynek, who is in charge of the vaccination program, the fifth dose of the vaccine is highly recommended for people over the age of 12 who are undergoing cancer treatment or have had organ transplants.
In this category, protection has been weakened and reinforcement is needed, Nohynek later explained to the Finnish broadcaster YLE. They estimate that up to 30,000 people were advised to take a fourth dose about six months ago.
Despite the new recommendation addressed to this group, THL and the National Vaccine Advisory Committee (Krar) do not consider Covid’s condition to be an additional concern. Plans for a fifth vaccine to be given to a wider group of people do not exist at present. However, the need will be assessed during the summer.
By European comparison, Finland seems to be leading the way in preparing for the next wave. In Germany, for example, the number of infections is rising again. Speaking to the Rheinische Post on Wednesday (June 15th), Federal Health Minister Karl Lauterbach encouraged those at risk to get the fourth dose of the vaccine quickly.
