Finland will allow private healthcare providers to dispense Covid vaccines, in a policy change that effectively makes Covid vaccine boosters available to every adult in the country.
Finland had been the only country in the EU not to automatically offer a fourth dose of Covid vaccine to healthcare workers.
The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health made the announcement on Tuesday, with health minister Kirsta Kiuru (SDP) saying that vaccinations via private providers (including occupational healthcare providers) could begin early in 2023.
The goal is to get booster doses to those who want them, even if they are not at elevated risk of serious illness from Covid.
The move comes as health officials started to dismantle the distinct advice regime they had built for Covid.
Just like other infections
Finland's health agency THL says it will no longer maintain separate guidance for those suffering from Covid-19.
THL says there is no longer a need for different instructions, and those with Covid should behave just as they would with any other respiratory infection.
People can use self-testing kits if they like, but after an infection they can return to work or school once any fever has died down and symptoms have eased.
THL noted that it is often difficult to distinguish Covid from other respiratory infections, and a mild Covid infection can be treated in the same way as an ordinary cold. If the patient's condition deteriorates or symptoms are serious, there may be cause to contact healthcare services as there are with other illnesses.
"Those in risk groups should have a lower threshold for contacting their healthcare provider," Chief Physician Tuula Hannila-Handelberg said in a press release.
THL previously recommended that those suffering from Covid avoid contact with others for five days after the onset of symptoms. Now the authority advises that people act as they would if they caught the flu or a cold: you can get back to normal once the fever is gone or symptoms have clearly eased.
"Those suffering from a respiratory tract infection should of course stay home to rest," said Hannila-Handelberg. "They can get back to work, school or daycare once symptoms have clearly reduced and any possible fever has gone. With children it is good to wait until they are able to participate in teaching or early years education. Workplaces can give their own guidance."
Contagion fades quickly
THL says that people quickly become less contagious after they catch respiratory tract infections. However they can remain congested for a longer period.
Other family members can now continue to go about their business if they don't have symptoms even if someone at home has Covid, according to THL.
The health agency also said that the influenza season is in full swing, with the RS-virus causing a lot of illness.
The Covid situation, on the other hand, remains stable. THL recommends vaccines, staying home, washing hands, sneezing and coughing into your elbow, using masks if necessary and maintaining a safe distance from others while keeping spaces well-ventilated.
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