Avian influenza vaccinations
The vaccine is provided to persons aged 18 or over who are at increased risk of being infected with avian influenza because of their work or other circumstances. If you are eligible for the vaccine, you can receive your vaccination by making an appointment with your health station. Make your appointment by calling the health station.
Vaccination aims to protect persons at risk of exposure against a serious disease caused by the virus.
The avian influenza vaccine is recommended to
- Fur farm workers, fur farmers and their family members
- Poultry farm workers, poultry farmers and their family members
- Hobby poultry keepers and their family members
- Veterinarians working with fur animals, poultry or wild birds
- People involved in handling and disposing of sick or dead birds or animals, or in cleaning affected areas, such as those working at facilities that process animal by-products
- Bird ringers
- Staff at wildlife bird rehabilitation centres
- Employees at petting zoos and aviaries
- Laboratory workers handling the avian influenza virus or samples that may contain it
- Gamekeepers handling birds
- Close contacts of suspected or confirmed avian influenza cases
Vaccination series includes two doses
The second dose of the vaccine will be given three weeks after the first dose, at the earliest. The vaccine to be used is Zoonotic Influenza Vaccine Seqirus.
If you have previously received two doses of the avian influenza vaccine, you do not need a booster dose. If you have received only one dose, you will need a second dose now.
In some cases, occupational health or student health care can also offer avian influenza vaccines.