Compulsory vaccination divides public opinion in Finland
By straw poll inquiry According to the Finnish-speaking Rural Future (MT), 43 per cent of Finns believe that all citizens should be obliged to receive vaccinations against the COVID-19 virus in accordance with the law. Just over 40 per cent opposed the idea and about 16 per cent were unsure.
The survey found significant differences of opinion between age groups and regions. Forty-four percent of those living in southern Finland were in favor of compulsory vaccination, while the figure rose to more than half in rural areas.
According to MT, compulsory vaccination received the strongest support from men aged 65 and over, and seven out of ten respondents said they agreed. In addition, 58 percent of women in the same age group supported the idea. About half of men and women under the age of 30 opposed compulsory vaccination.
The biggest difference was seen between seniors and housewives: while 61 per cent of seniors said vaccination should be legal, only 13 per cent of mothers and fathers at home supported the same. A representative sample of 1,023 Finns participated in the survey.
According to the Finnish Communicable Diseases Act, the state can impose compulsory vaccination on citizens. However, this is likely to be done only under certain circumstances; For example, to control the spread of a highly contagious and deadly disease, such as smallpox, in the event of a bioterrorist attack.
Tahira Sequeira
Helsinki Times