Swine Flu Preparedness in Finland (24/07/2009)
Latest update 04.11.2009
The number of confirmed cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) across the world continues to grow. The World Health Organisation's current pandemic alert level is Phase 6. This is characterised by human-to-human spread of the A(H1N1) Swine Flu virus in more than one WHO region. The alert phase refers to the geographical spread of the pandemic, not its severity.
By November there have been over one thousand confirmed cases of Swine Flu (H1N1) in Finland. Finland is well prepared to deal with a flu epidemic. On average, swine flu appears to behave much like seasonal influenza in terms of the severity of illness. Finland has purchased vaccines against influenza A(H1N1) to cover its whole 5.3 million population. Vaccinations are under way at local health centres starting with health care workers, pregnant women, and people belonging to risk groups due to another illness, according to stated schedule. The next phase is to vaccinate healthy children aged from 6 to 35 months, and healthy children and young people aged from 3 to 24 years, as well as conscripts. The sixth group to be vaccinated is persons over 65 years who because of their other illness belong to an at-risk group. The need to vaccinate the whole population will be assessed after it is seen how the situation develops towards the end of the year. The local authorities are responsible for informing residents about the local vaccination arrangements.
The Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare’s “Ask about influenza” information hotline 0800 02277 answers general questions on swine flu and is open Monday through Friday from 12 noon to 6 pm.
There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. We also recommend you monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.
If you are looking for advice on how Swine flu might affect your travel plans, you should consult the FCO travel advice for the country concerned. We also recommend you use our new LOCATE service to tell us where you are travelling so our embassy and crisis staff can provide better assistance in case of an emergency.
