In light of ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 and communicable health risks, HIMSS is implementing health and safety protocols appropriate to the public health circumstances existing at the time of the programme or event.

HIMSS will exercise reasonable efforts to utilise protocols that comply with or exceed any local public health requirements and be consistent with prevailing public health standards as issued by relevant public health entities.

Compliance with some or all of the protocols adopted by HIMSS may be mandatory for in-person attendance and participation at the respective HIMSS programme or event. Additional information regarding the specific health and safety measures, and any necessary consents by you, if required, will be communicated to attendees prior to the first day of the event.

Accordingly, at a minimum, you agree that you will not attend any HIMSS programme or event in person if within five days preceding the conference you have:

• Tested positive or presumptively positive for COVID or another communicable disease or have been identified as a potential carrier of COVID or other communicable disease;
• Experienced any symptoms commonly associated with COVID or other communicable disease; or
• Travelled to a country that is subject to a travel ban or travel notice according to the country in which the programme or event takes.

Review Helsinki’s coronavirus updates page for isolation guidelines. 

Further, you understand and agree that HIMSS may share any COVID-related information about you received with public health authorities or other regulatory agencies, as required under applicable laws.

We are excited to be together, in person in Helsinki for HIMSS22. Whilst we understand that Finland has eased most restrictions relating to COVID-19, the event is planning to proceed with a vaccination preferred approach for all attendees, exhibitors, speakers and HIMSS staff. HIMSS strongly encourages all attendees, exhibitors, speakers and HIMSS staff members to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 and to obtain vaccine booster doses in compliance with the latest European Centre for Disease Prevention & Control guidance.

HIMSS has developed its overall Health and Safety requirements, including an Entry Policy, with due consideration for prevailing public health guidance, legal guidelines and industry practices. Our Entry Policy is designed with consideration of relevant regulations in Finland.

Requirements for Badge Pick-Up

1. Proof of purchase: registration email with your unique barcode.
2. Government issued photo ID.

Please note: In accordance with vaccination requirements in Finland, you must be fully vaccinated or submit proof of negative COVID test to enter the country. Visit Finland’s COVID-19 travel information page for details.

Helsinki Airport

COVID-19 testing, including rapid antigen testing, is available at Helsinki Airport via the following companies: Aava Medical Center, 9Lives and Medical Center Mehiläinen. Contact the service providers to get more information about the COVID-19 services they offer.

View details, and book an appointment

At HIMSS22 Europe (Messukeskus Conference Centre)

Monday – Thursday
07:30 – 15:00

Mehiläinen is providing testing facilities at the Conference Centre. The testing station is situated at the parking garage on the level P4. To make accessing the services as easy and quick as possible, we recommend accessing the services at different times of the drive-in station’s opening hours.

The station is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility (there are stairs you must climb). You can access the station by car, a taxi, on foot or by bike.

Visit Mehiläinen’s page for precise location details and a map.

COVID-19 PCR and antigen testing is paid for by the individual. Testing is available for anyone experiencing symptoms while on-site, or as a convenience for those requiring a negative test result to travel home or return to work.
Confirm the timeframe for results with the service provider at the time of your test.

It is recommended that you pay for your test beforehand via the online portal. An advance reservation for a test is not required.

Along with the Messukeskus, Finland has recommendations for mask wearing indoors. Exhibitors, speakers and HIMSS staff are not required to wear masks during HIMSS22; however, for the safety of all attending, we highly encourage wearing masks.

• The Messukeskus venue has highly efficient air ventilation systems in place 
• The venue utilises ISO rated cleaning products on all high-touch areas
• Socially distanced seating options will be provided in all education sessions
• The exhibit hall includes wider aisles on the floor with booths spaced apart, and increased cleaning protocols will be implemented
• PPE will be available for purchase
• All attendees, exhibitors, speakers and staff should:
  • Not enter the event site if they are experiencing any flu-like symptoms;
  • Wash hands often with soap for at least 20 seconds and/or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
  • Avoid touching their eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; and
  • Engage in additional responsible health and safety practices at all times.

HIMSS recommends that all attendees, exhibitors and HIMSS staff comply with travel guidelines issued by the Finnish Government when travelling to Helsinki. In addition, we expect all individuals will think carefully about any risk they may pose to others and to make informed choices about travel as well as on-site and external engagement.

In accordance with vaccination requirements in Finland, you must be fully vaccinated or submit proof of negative COVID test to enter the country. Visit Finland’s websitefor details.

What should I expect at the HIMSS22 speaker and education sessions?

• In education sessions, speakers will have the option to use protective measures when presenting. HIMSS will make efforts to ensure panels of speakers are spaced out as much as practicable.
• Attendee/audience seating may be modified to allow for reduced capacity guidelines, and room sets may be modified to accommodate increased spacing.

 What should I expect at HIMSS22 networking events?

• HIMSS works to offer robust opportunities to engage with your peers and colleagues on-site, with modifications to traditional event settings that help mitigate risks. Specifically, events may include larger areas than before, individually portioned food/beverage, alternative food/beverage service protocols, adjusted spacing, and other accommodations.

What if I have additional questions?

• HIMSS updates this website and will provide additional communications to attendees and exhibitors—please check back regularly.
• If you have additional questions, contact reg@himss.org.

What happens if I violate HIMSS policies?

• If you violate HIMSS22 event policies, including our Health and Safety requirements, HIMSS reserves the right to remove or disable your badge for HIMSS22 and may limit your attendance at future HIMSS events. See the “Consequences of Violating These Terms and Conditions” section of our overall event Terms and Conditions.

Is HIMSS collecting, storing, or processing my vaccination information?

• HIMSS will not collect or maintain information about vaccination status or COVID test results.

For further information on entry into Finland and other important COVID related information please review the following links to informative website:

• Finnish Guidelines for Border Traffic
• Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
• Finnish Government: Restrictions during the coronavirus epidemic