National immunization program in Finland

Abstract

In the national immunization program, all Finnish children are vaccinated against 9 infectious diseases: diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, severe infections due to Haemophilus influenzae type b, measles, mumps, rubella and influenza. In addition, vaccination against tuberculosis, hepatitis A- and B-, influenza or tick-borne encephalitis are given to those at risk of contracting the diseases. More than 95% of children are vaccinated according the optimal schedule. Vaccine preventable diseases are rare in Finland. In Finland, all vaccines are imported. The decisions regarding the vaccination program are made by the Ministry of Social Affairs and Health. The National Public Health Institute is responsible for the control of the communicable diseases and the implementation of the vaccination program in practice. Evaluation of the implementation of new vaccines in the vaccination program is ongoing.