Helsinki, finland – As schools reopen and workplaces repopulate following the summerโค break,โข Finland is โฃbracing for a rise in infectious diseases, prompting theโ Institute โfor Health and Welfare (THL) to recommend a new dose of the coronavirus vaccine for โฃvulnerable populations this autumn. While the current infection situation remains relatively calm, health officialsโฃ anticipate an increase in respiratory viruses, including the coronavirus and influenza, in the comingโ months.
The seasonal uptick in illnesses is a common occurrence following the summer, but proactive vaccination is crucial for protectingโ those โคmost at risk. THL specifically advises individuals over the age of 75, asโ well as thoseโฃ with compromised immune systems orโ pre-existing conditions that elevate their risk of severe coronavirus disease, to receive a boosterโฃ dose. This proposal comes โeven as overall infection ratesโ are โcurrentlyโ low.
“Viruses that cause colds and respiratory infectionsโ are increasing, and the Coronavirus is โone of them,” โstated Aurora โขDjupsjรถbacka, an infectious protection physician at โฃTHL. While precise data on common cold viruses is limited due to reduced testing, officials are monitoring the situation closely.
Influenza infections areโ expected toโข peak later in the year, typically between January and February. THL recommends flu vaccination for all individuals overโฃ 65, pregnant peopel, children under seven, and those in risk groups. โThe availability of vaccines and further guidance will be announced as the vaccination season approaches.