Finnish Ministry Awards €5.1M MMR Vaccine Contract to MSD Finland Oy

The Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM), with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) as the customer, has awarded a contract for the supply of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine to MSD Finland Oy. The €5.1 million contract covers the supply of up to 360,000 doses for Finland's National Immunisation Programme. The contract runs for an initial 2-year period (2027-2028) with two optional 1-year renewals (2029-2030).

Introduction

The Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM), together with the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) as the customer, has conducted an open procedure for the procurement of Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine for Finland's National Immunisation Programme. The procurement ensures the continued availability of this essential vaccine for children and adults across Finland.

The contract, valued at €5,097,600, has been awarded to MSD Finland Oy, the Finnish subsidiary of MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme). The contract runs for an initial 2-year period (2027-2028) with two optional 1-year renewals (2029-2030). The estimated total quantity for the full contract period including renewals is 360,000 doses, with a flexibility of ±20%.

A single tender was received. The procurement was not divided into lots to ensure practical and effective implementation of the National Immunisation Programme.

Why This Contract Matters

This contract ensures the continued availability of MMR vaccine for Finland's National Immunisation Programme, protecting children and adults from measles, mumps, and rubella.

This contract matters because it:

• Supports public health: Provides MMR vaccine for the National Immunisation Programme
• Significant value: €5,097,600
• Long-term commitment: Up to 4 years (2 + 1 + 1)
• Nationwide coverage: Finland's National Immunisation Programme
• Price focus: 100% price-based evaluation
• Large supplier: MSD is a global pharmaceutical leader
• Single bidder: Only one tender received

Contract Timeline

• Winner chosen: 12 June 2026
• Contract concluded: 26 August 2026
• Initial contract period: 2 years (2027-2028)
• Option 1: 1-year renewal (2029)
• Option 2: 1-year renewal (2030)
• Maximum total duration: 4 years
• Notice published: 8 September 2026 (OJ S 173/2026)

Contract Overview

The Finnish Ministry of Social Affairs and Health conducted an open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU and the Finnish Procurement Act.

Key features include:

• Single lot: One contract covering the entire MMR vaccine supply
• Awarded value: €5,097,600.00
• Estimated quantity: 360,000 doses (including options)
• Initial quantity: 180,000 doses (±20%)
• Option quantity per year: 90,000 doses (±20%)
• Initial duration: 2 years (2027-2028)
• Maximum renewals: 2 (1 year each)
• Maximum total duration: 4 years
• No framework agreement: Direct supply contract
• Evaluation: Price (100%)
• Winner: MSD Finland Oy (large enterprise)
• No subcontracting declared
• No EU funding

Key Contract Details

Detail	Information
Contracting authority	Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM)
Customer	Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL)
Contract title	Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine 2027-2028 (2029, 2030)
Main CPV	33651600 Vaccines
Additional CPVs	33600000, 33650000
Procedure type	Open procedure (standard regime)
Legal basis	EU Directive 2014/24/EU; Finnish Procurement Act
Awarded value (EUR)	€5,097,600.00
Number of lots	1
Estimated total quantity	360,000 doses (including options)
Initial duration	2 years (2027-2028)
Maximum renewals	2 (1 year each)
Maximum total duration	4 years
EU funding	None
Covered by GPA	Yes
Evaluation criteria	Price (100%)
Location	Helsinki-Uusimaa, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1)
Subcontracting	No
Number of tenders	1

Vaccine Specification

• Vaccine: Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Target: Finland's National Immunisation Programme
• Suitability: Suitable for children and adults according to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC)
• Indication: Prevention of measles, mumps and rubella disease
• Preference: Syringes without fixed needles
• Quantity flexibility: ±20% variation on ordered doses

Procurement Justification – Not Divided into Lots

The contracting authority justified not dividing the procurement into lots:

• Reason: For practical and effective implementation and supervision of the National Immunisation Programme, it is appropriate to procure one suitable vaccine
• Legal basis: According to the Communicable Diseases Act (1227/2016), THL is obliged to supervise the implementation of the National Immunisation Programme
• Efficiency: One vaccine simplifies the programme's logistics, training, and administration

About the Contracting Authority

Ministry of Social Affairs and Health (STM) is the Finnish government ministry responsible for social welfare and health policy. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) is the customer and will implement the procurement on behalf of STM.

About the Winning Supplier

MSD Finland Oy is the Finnish subsidiary of MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme), a global pharmaceutical company. MSD is a leading provider of vaccines, including the MMR vaccine.

• Size: Large enterprise
• Headquarters: Keilaniementie 1, Espoo, Finland (NUTS: FI1B1)
• Registration number: 0101072-9
• Specialisation: Pharmaceuticals and vaccines
• Subcontracting: No

Evaluation Criteria

The contract was awarded based on a single criterion:

• Price (100%): The most economically advantageous tender is the one with the lowest price.

Procurement Analysis

• Procedure: Open procedure under the standard regime, governed by EU Directive 2014/24/EU and the Finnish Procurement Act.
• Competition: Only one tender was received (sole bidder).
• SME participation: No SME bids were received.
• Subcontracting: No subcontracting was declared.
• No EU funding: The procurement was not financed with EU funds.
• No framework agreement: This is a direct supply contract.
• No dynamic purchasing system used.
• Accelerated procedure: No.
• Review body: Markkinaoikeus (Market Court of Finland).

Additional Procurement Facts

• The contract is covered by the WTO's Government Procurement Agreement (GPA).
• No EU funds were used for this procurement.
• The contract has a value of €5,097,600.
• The contract covers up to 360,000 doses of MMR vaccine.
• The initial contract period is 2 years with two 1-year options.
• Price is the sole evaluation criterion (100%).
• Only one tender was received.
• The winner is a large enterprise.
• No subcontracting was declared.
• The procurement was not divided into lots to ensure programme effectiveness.
• The vaccine is for Finland's National Immunisation Programme.
• Syringes without fixed needles are preferred.

Market & Industry Perspective

The Finnish vaccine procurement market is dominated by a few global pharmaceutical companies. MMR vaccine procurement is a specialised area, with limited suppliers capable of meeting the requirements for the National Immunisation Programme.

Key trends in this market include:

• Public health focus: National Immunisation Programme priorities
• Price sensitivity: 100% price-based evaluation
• Large suppliers: Global pharmaceutical companies dominate
• Long-term contracts: Up to 4 years with options
• Single source: One vaccine for programme efficiency

Economic Significance

At €5.1 million, this contract represents a significant investment in public health for Finland. The contract will:

• Support public health: Ensure MMR vaccine availability
• Support large enterprise: MSD Finland Oy
• Provide long-term stability: Up to 4-year contract
• Enable programme efficiency: Single vaccine for the National Immunisation Programme
• Protect population: Prevent measles, mumps, and rubella

Future Procurement Opportunities

With this contract now in place, future opportunities include:

• Re-tender: Expected after the 4-year maximum duration
• Related vaccines: Other vaccines for the National Immunisation Programme
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with MSD Finland
• Other Finnish health authorities: Similar vaccine procurements

Opportunities for Suppliers

While this contract is awarded, opportunities remain for vaccine suppliers:

• Re-tender: Prepare for the next procurement cycle
• Related vaccines: Other National Immunisation Programme vaccines
• Subcontracting: Potential opportunities with MSD Finland
• Other Nordic countries: Similar vaccine procurements

What Businesses Should Watch

• THL's future procurement notices
• Other Finnish health sector tenders
• National Immunisation Programme developments
• Changes to Finnish procurement regulations

FinlandTenders Procurement Intelligence

This MMR vaccine procurement is a notable example of Finnish public health procurement. Several features stand out:

• Scale: €5.1M over up to 4 years
• Price focus: 100% price-based evaluation
• Sole bidder: Only one tender received
• Large winner: MSD Finland Oy
• Public health: National Immunisation Programme
• Not divided: One vaccine for programme efficiency

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of:

• Competitive pricing: 100% price-based evaluation
• Vaccine registration: Compliance with Finnish and EU requirements
• Public health experience: Understanding of National Immunisation Programmes
• Supply reliability: Ability to supply large volumes
• Regulatory compliance: SPC and quality agreements

Supplier Takeaways

• Offer competitive pricing – 100% of evaluation is price-based
• Ensure vaccine registration and compliance
• Build public health experience
• Demonstrate supply reliability
• Monitor Finnish public health procurement opportunities

Key Takeaways

• STM awarded a €5.1M MMR vaccine contract to MSD Finland Oy
• Single lot covering Finland's National Immunisation Programme
• Duration: 2 years + 2 x 1-year options (max 4 years)
• Evaluation: Price (100%)
• One tender received
• Winner is a large enterprise
• No subcontracting declared
• Estimated quantity: up to 360,000 doses

Conclusion

This MMR vaccine procurement ensures the continued availability of this essential vaccine for Finland's National Immunisation Programme. By awarding the contract to MSD Finland Oy, the Ministry secures a reliable supply from a global pharmaceutical leader with a proven track record in vaccine supply.

The 100% price-based evaluation reflects the importance of cost-effectiveness in public health procurement, while the decision not to divide the procurement into lots ensures practical and effective programme implementation. The sole bidder situation reflects the specialised nature of MMR vaccine supply, where only a limited number of suppliers are capable of meeting the requirements.

For suppliers, this procurement highlights the importance of competitive pricing, vaccine registration, and public health experience in winning Finnish public health contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Finnish National Immunisation Programme?

Ans: Finland's national programme for vaccinating children and adults against preventable diseases, including MMR.

Q: What is the value of the contract?

Ans: €5,097,600.

Q: Who is the winner?

Ans: MSD Finland Oy, the Finnish subsidiary of MSD (Merck Sharp & Dohme).

Q: What is being procured?

Ans: Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Q: What were the evaluation criteria?

Ans: Price (100%).

Q: How long is the contract?

Ans: 2 years initial, with two 1-year extension options (maximum 4 years).

Q: How many doses are being procured?

Ans: Estimated 360,000 doses including options, with ±20% flexibility.

Q: How many tenders were received?

Ans: One tender was received.

Q: Is this contract funded by the EU?

Ans: No, the procurement is not financed with EU funds.

Q: What is the review body?

Ans: Markkinaoikeus (Market Court of Finland).

Q: Why was the procurement not divided into lots?

Ans: To ensure practical and effective implementation and supervision of the National Immunisation Programme.

Source: EU Official Journal, Contract Award Notice 618014-2026, OJ S 173/2026, published 8 September 2026.

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