HELSINKI, July 10 (Xinhua) -- Finland has confirmed 17 more cases of the A/H1N1 flu this week, bringing the total to 79, Finnish media reported Friday.

    Finnish Minister of Health and Social Services Paula Risikko is asking the Finance Ministry for an additional 50 million euros (about U.S. dollars) to deal with the costs of the H1N1 flu, according to Finnish media.

    As Finnish health authorities estimated that up to 1 million Finns may be infected with the H1N1 virus, 40 million euros is needed to purchase more doses of the vaccine and 10 million euros to cover the expected expenses of expanded hospital care, according to Paula Risikko.

    The H1N1 flu vaccination currently under preparation will be first given in Finland to health care staff and to risk groups such as pregnant women, children and long-term patients.

    Estimations on the need for vaccinations will be made by The National Institute for Health and Welfare depending on how serious the outbreak becomes. The first batch of 1 million vaccinations is expected to arrive in Finland by the autumn.

    Besides that, the Finnish military plans to screen conscripts for early detection of the H1N1 flu. Finnish Defense Forces are currently working on nationwide garrison guidelines to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus in the military.