The Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), Finland's authority on Covid vaccination plans, will in the next few days decide about second Covid recommendations for people over the age of 60 and those in risk groups.

THL chief physician Hanna Nohynek told Yle current affairs programme A-studio on Wednesday evening that if enough staff is available, fourth - or second booster - doses can be distributed to the 60-plus set right away.

The health agency is looking into ways for municipalities to begin second booster rounds on an accelerated schedule, according to Nohynek.

Meanwhile, Minister of Family Affairs and Social Services, Aki Lindén (SDP), said he would like to see the 60-plus age group to start getting their fourth shots at the beginning of August.

Lindén told Yle on Wednesday that he wants THL to speed up the Covid vaccination schedule, adding that the organisational differences among municipalities in vaccine distribution also needs consideration.

"ASAP"

Pasi Pohjola, the Director of Strategic Affairs at Finland's Ministry of Social Affairs and Health, told A-studio the opinion at the ministry was that the second boosters should be rolled out as soon as possible.

Pohjola noted that the ministry has discussed the matter with the THL.

Lapland hospital district's infectious diseases chief, Markku Broas, noted that the international community and Finland agree that second jabs should be started for those over 60 and those belonging to risk groups.

Broas said there is no reason to delay the second boosters.

"Hospital workloads have recently increased due to coronavirus infections. A delay in vaccination can cause unnecessary serious illness and death," he said.

Broas added that he thinks the matter should be handed over to municipalities so that they can roll out the boosters as soon as possible.

On Monday, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) issued a recommendation that fourth doses should be quickly administered to everyone over the age of 60 as well as people belonging to risk groups.