Riskiryhmä

Riskiryhmä, literally "risk group" in Finnish, is a term used in public health to denote populations that are more vulnerable to adverse outcomes from a disease or hazard. The designation informs preventive measures, clinical decisions, and resource allocation. The composition of a riskiryhmä varies by disease and context and can include older adults and certain medical conditions, pregnancy, and individuals with impaired immune function, as well as groups identified by living conditions, disability, or occupation.

For example, in influenza, COVID-19, and other infectious diseases, riskiryhmät typically cover senior citizens (often 60–65 and older, depending on policy), people with chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic lung or kidney disease, cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and people with immunosuppression. The term is used in guidance issued by Finnish authorities such as the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) and by public health agencies to prioritize vaccination, testing, antiviral treatment, and protective measures. It also informs targeted communications and outreach to high-risk groups.

Riskiryhmä designations are inherently probabilistic; being part of a riskiryhmä does not guarantee severe outcomes, nor does exclusion ensure safety. The approach raises ethical considerations around privacy, data protection, and potential stigma, so criteria are typically based on robust evidence and applied with transparency and proportionality.