Copenhagen: Finland has joined other Nordic countries in suspending or discouraging the use of Moderna’s Covid-19 vaccine in certain age groups because of an increased risk of heart inflammation, a rare side effect associated with the shot.
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare said Thursday that authorities won’t give the shot to men under age 30. They will be offered the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine instead. The government agency said it found that young men and boys were at a slightly higher risk of developing myocarditis.
The move by Finland followed similar decisions by three neighbouring countries on Wednesday. Sweden suspended the use of Moderna for people under 30, Denmark said those under 18 won’t be offered the Swiss-made vaccine and Norway urged those under 30 to get the Pfizer vaccine instead.