Free influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations will begin in Helsinki at the end of September, the city’s health department announced on Monday.
Vaccinations are available by appointment only and are targeted at groups identified in the national recommendation by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
The COVID-19 vaccine eligibility has changed from last year. Fewer people now qualify for a booster.
In contrast, the influenza vaccine eligibility remains the same.
Helsinki administered more than 130,000 influenza vaccines and over 95,000 COVID-19 vaccines during the last season.
Jarja Ijäs, chief physician at the city’s health centres, said the vaccines are important for those at risk.
“We recommend that all eligible Helsinki residents get vaccinated during the scheduled weeks. The vaccines help prevent severe illness from flu and COVID-19,” Ijäs said in the press release.
Health centre vaccinations will be carried out in phases based on age:
- People aged 75 and over will be vaccinated from 30 September to 10 October
- People aged 65 to 74 will receive their vaccines from 13 to 24 October
- People under 65 will be vaccinated between 27 October and 14 November
Those in the older age groups may also book appointments during later phases.
Appointment booking for those aged 65 and over opens on 16 September via the Maisa online portal and on 17 September by phone at 09 310 46300, available Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 16:00. Booking for those under 65 opens on 8 October.
Vaccinations will also be provided in other city services. These include hospital wards, senior centres, care homes, home care, and school and student health services, operating through October and November.
Maternity and child health clinics will offer influenza vaccines from 27 October 2025 to 30 January 2026.
Monica Lindberg, head of the maternity and child health unit, said both scheduled check-ups and separate appointments are available.
“Clients at maternity and child health clinics receive flu vaccines during their regular health checks or by separate booking. COVID-19 vaccines are only available by appointment at the Ruoholahti clinic for those eligible,” Lindberg said.
THL has revised its recommendations on who qualifies for a free COVID-19 booster this season. The following groups are eligible:
- Elderly residents in care homes or under regular home care
- All persons aged 75 and over
- People of any age with severe immunodeficiency
- Adults aged 18 and over with two or more underlying conditions linked to severe COVID-19
Influenza vaccines will again be offered to the same groups as in previous years:
- Children aged 6 months to 6 years
- People aged 65 and over
- Pregnant women
- People starting military or voluntary service
- People in high-risk groups due to illness or treatment
- Close contacts of individuals at high risk for severe influenza
- Healthcare, social care, and pharmaceutical staff involved in direct care or treatment
- Residents in long-term care or similar institutional settings
The flu vaccine will also be available to people at increased risk of avian influenza infection due to their work or other conditions.
Appointments are required for all vaccinations, and no walk-in services will be available during the campaign.
Further information is available at hel.fi/rokotukset
HT
