COVID-19 vaccines available from private providers in Finland

COVID-19 vaccines are now available from private providers in Finland. For instance, Rokotepalvelu, a private healthcare service, announced on its website that it will begin offering COVID-19 vaccinations at its clinics in the capital region starting Tuesday afternoon, with a price set at €140. Up until now, vaccines have been provided free of charge by welfare regions for individuals categorized by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). This policy remains unchanged; during the pandemic, vaccines were available for everyone, but currently, THL recommends vaccinations only for individuals over 65 and those in at-risk groups.

More broadly, COVID-19 vaccines will also be available in pharmacies by autumn. According to the Finnish Pharmacists’ Association, the Comirnaty vaccine will be supplied to pharmacies, but it will be sold in packages of 10 doses, with an approximate price of €100 per vaccine. The association anticipates that these supplies will primarily serve healthcare centers looking to offer paid vaccinations and that will order in large quantities.

Vaccinations will also be accessible via occupational health services. For example, Mehiläinen plans to commence COVID-19 vaccinations for private and workplace health clients at the beginning of October. Vaccines will be prescription-only, requiring a doctor’s order.

The introduction of pharmacy sales has been justified by the improved availability of vaccines and as a complement to the current system. Social Insurance Minister Sanni Grahn-Laasonen noted that this change is intended to streamline the upcoming vaccination campaign in the fall. The previous obstacle to pharmacy sales concerned the insurance for the vaccine and the required state guarantee, which has now expanded to include vaccines acquired through other means since July 1.