The share of unvaccinated children is higher in the age groups born during the coronavirus pandemic compared to the previous age groups, said the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL).
The vaccination coverage of young children in Finland, however, is high year after year, said the THL in a press release on Wednesday.
About 98 per cent of all children born in 2021 have started the 5-in-1 vaccination series, which protects them against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio and Hib diseases.
Almost 95 per cent of children born in 2021 have been vaccinated against measles, mumps and rubella. This information comes from the Finnish national vaccination register.
Vaccination coverage differs between wellbeing services counties. However, in areas with lower coverage, sustained efforts have been made to increase vaccination uptake, and the differences in vaccination coverage between wellbeing services counties are narrowing for many vaccines.
Being fully unvaccinated remains rare in Finland. Of the children born in 2021, 1.7 per cent are completely unvaccinated, which is slightly more than in previous age groups. Of those born in 2020, 1.4 per cent were unvaccinated until the age of three and about 1 per cent in the previous age groups.
"Although the changes in the share of unvaccinated children are very small, it must be carefully monitored whether the phenomenon will become more common in the coming years. The share of unvaccinated children is now higher in the age groups born during the coronavirus pandemic, so we must also consider the effects of the pandemic on the implementation of vaccinations and attitudes towards vaccinations for children," says Anniina Virkku, Medical Specialist at THL.
In the age groups born in 2020 and 2021, the share of unvaccinated children is higher than in the previous age groups in almost all wellbeing services counties.
Therefore, the national growth in the share of unvaccinated persons is not only explained by changes in an individual area. The share of unvaccinated children in Åland and Ostrobothnia wellbeing services county is lower than before.
Vaccinations are sometimes postponed, so the share of fully unvaccinated children in the age group born in 2021 may decrease further.
Information on vaccination coverage is based on up-to-date information from the Finnish national vaccination register which is received from the patient data systems. Because of problems with recording vaccinations and transferring data, true vaccination coverage is probably higher than figures in the vaccination register suggest.
"It is important that the wellbeing services counties monitor the transfer of vaccination data to the vaccination register in an up-to-date manner and that any shortcomings are reacted to without delay," said Camilla Jordman, Medical Specialist of THL.
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
“I believe that it’s concerning how the share of unvaccinated children born during the pandemic is slightly increasing. We must ensure that vaccination coverage remains high to protect our young ones from preventable diseases.”
It’s concerning to see a slight increase in the percentage of unvaccinated children born during the pandemic. We must closely monitor this trend to prevent it from becoming more common in the future.
Are there any specific reasons mentioned for the slight increase in the share of unvaccinated children compared to previous age groups in Finland?
Yes, according to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, while the share of unvaccinated children has slightly increased compared to previous age groups, the reasons are not clearly specified in the press release. It is essential to monitor this trend closely to address any potential factors contributing to the rise in unvaccinated children.
Do you think the increase in unvaccinated babies born during the pandemic is a cause for concern in Finland?
Hey EmilySmith, the data shows a slight increase in unvaccinated babies born during the pandemic in Finland. While the changes are small, it’s important to monitor the trend closely to assess any potential risks to public health. Vaccination efforts and monitoring systems play a crucial role in addressing such situations and ensuring overall community immunity. Let’s stay vigilant and prioritize the health and well-being of all, especially the vulnerable populations. Stay safe!
More unvaxxed babies born in the pandemic, y’all. It’s concerning to see that the share of unvaccinated children is increasing in younger age groups. We need to ensure that vaccination coverage remains high to protect our children from preventable diseases.
It’s concerning to see a slight increase in unvaccinated children born during the pandemic. We must ensure efforts are sustained to maintain high vaccination coverage to protect public health.
It’s concerning to see a slight increase in the share of unvaccinated children born during the pandemic. We must closely monitor this trend to ensure the health and safety of all children in the coming years.
Do you think the slight increase in the number of unvaccinated children born during the pandemic will have a significant impact on public health in the future?