Practical nurses have emerged as an untapped resource in Finland's drive to get third doses into arms faster in the face of the Omicron variant.

Silja Paavola, who heads practical nurse union SuPer, said practical nurses could quickly be up to speed on administering vaccines.

"I'm assuming training will be quick and patient safety will be guaranteed," Paavola told Yle on Wednesday.

The government has said it is looking at ways of accelerating the roll-out of third Covid vaccine doses. This includes recruiting social and healthcare students as well as practical nurses for the task.

Speaking on Yle TV1's A-Studio programme on Tuesday evening, Family and Basic Services Minister Krista Kiuru said retired health care workers, students in the field as well as the defence forces should be called upon to administer third jabs.

Finnish laws currently rule that only a doctor, nurse, midwife or person who has completed vaccination training is allowed to vaccinate.

Paavola said practical nurses will receive necessary training.

"We'll tell them what the point of the vaccine is, what can happen and what to monitor once it's given. You don't need to know how it's made," she said.

Officials are now eyeing students to staff vaccination centres to allow regular workers to take their Christmas time off as planned.

"Workers are already overburdened in every way. If we can find volunteers, we'll also be able to take care of vaccinations over the Christmas holidays," Paavola said.

Experts have found that even people who have received two Covid vaccines are susceptible to becoming infected by the new coronavirus variant Omicron.

Vaccine expert Mika Rämet said on Tuesday that he recommends everyone - including vaccinated individuals - wear more effective face masks such as FFP2 or FFP3 even at events in which Covid passes are in use.