Rokotuspalvelut

Rokotuspalvelut, or vaccination services, refer to the organized provision of vaccines and related care to prevent infectious diseases. They are typically delivered through public health systems and, in many countries, by private providers and pharmacies. The aim is to protect individuals and communities by maintaining high vaccination coverage and monitoring safety.

In Finland, rokotuspalvelut are primarily provided by municipalities through local health centers, maternity and child health clinics, and school health services. The national immunization program sets recommended vaccines and schedules, with most routine childhood vaccines offered free of charge as part of universal health care. Adults and travelers may access additional vaccines through various providers, sometimes with costs covered by insurance or government subsidies.

Core services include vaccine administration, eligibility assessment, information and counseling about benefits and risks, reminders and scheduling, and record-keeping. Vaccination records are maintained in electronic health records and national registries to support public health surveillance and individual care. Providers also monitor adverse events and report them to pharmacovigilance systems.

Vaccination programs typically cover vaccines against diseases such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, and Hib, as well as hepatitis B, pneumococcal disease, rotavirus, HPV, and influenza. The exact vaccines and schedules vary by country and evolve over time with new evidence and guidelines.

Rokotuspalvelut play a central role in disease prevention, herd immunity, and monitoring of vaccine safety. Access and quality are supported by national policies, professional standards, and public health communications to inform consent and empower informed decisions.