Residents in Finland's South Savo region have until Friday to book seasonal vaccinations by phone. After that date, appointments remain available online without identification through the end of November.
The phone booking service operates at 015 351 3100 on weekdays from 8 AM to 11 AM this week. Online appointments can be made at etelasavonha.fi/kausirokotus throughout November.
Chief Medical Officer Hans Gärdström emphasized the urgency in a recent statement. 'Now is the time to act and book a vaccination appointment if you belong to the free vaccination target groups,' Gärdström said. 'We need our vaccination staff to return to their regular duties after November.'
Vaccination rates have slowed significantly since early November. Approximately 31,000 South Savo residents have received flu shots while about 16,000 have taken COVID-19 booster doses. Health officials aim to match last year's total of 41,000 flu vaccinations.
'Vaccination protects both yourself and your close circle from severe influenza,' Gärdström noted. The slowdown creates concern as Finland approaches peak flu season during the dark winter months.
Finland's public healthcare system provides free seasonal vaccinations to specific risk groups. This includes elderly residents, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. The country maintains one of Europe's most comprehensive vaccination programs.
For international readers, Finland's welfare regions handle healthcare services at the local level. The South Savo region serves approximately 130,000 residents across municipalities including Mikkeli and Savonlinna.
Walk-in vaccinations without appointments will be available during the final week of November. Residents can visit healthcare centers in Mikkeli or Savonlinna from November 24-28 between 8:30 AM and 2:30 PM.
'With walk-in vaccinations, we want to offer an easy opportunity for latecomers,' Gärdström explained. This approach accommodates residents who struggle with digital booking systems or have unpredictable schedules.
Young children will continue receiving flu vaccinations during regular child health clinic visits beyond November. Finland's neuvola system provides comprehensive maternal and child healthcare services that include routine vaccinations.
The vaccination campaign timing aligns with typical patterns across Nordic countries. Health authorities aim to build immunity before winter peaks in December and January. Similar efforts are underway throughout Scandinavia, though specific implementation varies by country and region.
Local health officials face the ongoing challenge of vaccine hesitancy despite free access. The declining uptake since early November suggests either saturation of willing recipients or growing complacency about seasonal illnesses.