The Finnish Market Court made a statement on Friday clearing the National Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) of accusation in the pneumococcus vaccine case.

According to the court, the THL did not act incorrectly when choosing to purchase the vaccines from GlaxoSmithKline.

Pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer suspects THL of favouring its competitor and has demanded a new call for tenders.

Pneumococcus vaccines became part of the national vaccination program at the beginning of September. The vaccine prevents, amongst other things, ear infections for small children and sickness later in life.

Appeals can still be taken to the Supreme Administrative Court.

According to reports on Thursday, the ministry of social affairs and health is to take over future vaccination decisions to end speculation over the THL's competence.

STT