Finland plans to offer preemptive bird flu vaccinations starting next week for workers exposed to animals, health authorities announced on Tuesday.
The Nordic country has procured vaccines for 10,000 individuals. This makes it the first nation globally to initiate a human bird flu vaccination programme. Finland’s groundbreaking initiative aims to protect those at increased risk of contracting avian influenza due to their work environment.
Targeted Groups for Bird Flu Vaccination
The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) stated that the vaccination will be offered to those aged 18 or over who are at higher risk of exposure to avian influenza.
This group includes workers at fur and poultry farms, lab technicians handling bird flu samples, veterinarians working in animal control, and staff at wildlife sanctuaries. Additionally, individuals involved in livestock farming and those cleaning premises, such as animal by-products processing plants, will also be eligible for the vaccination.
Joint EU Procurement of Bird Flu Vaccination
Finland’s bird flu vaccination initiative is part of a joint EU procurement effort. The European Commission has secured up to 40 million doses of the vaccine from manufacturer CSL Seqirus, with Finland receiving vaccines for 10,000 people.
Each individual will receive two injections as part of the vaccination regimen. This collaborative approach aims to ensure sufficient vaccine supply across multiple EU nations, enhancing overall preparedness against avian influenza.
Rising Threat of Bird Flu
The H5N1 strain of bird flu has led to the culling of millions of poultry worldwide and poses a growing threat to mammals, including cows and, in some cases, humans. Although Finland has not yet detected the virus in humans, the vaccination programme is a proactive measure.
The country’s extensive fur farming industry creates unique risk factors, making early intervention crucial to prevent potential outbreaks. Last year, outbreaks at Finnish fur farms resulted in the culling of 485,000 animals to stop the virus from spreading.
Implementation and Future of Vaccination
Vaccinations are likely to start as early as next week in various parts of Finland, according to a THL spokesperson. The vaccination programme aims to prevent potential outbreaks and protect high-risk workers.
Furthermore, this proactive approach sets a precedent for other countries to follow, potentially paving the way for broader implementation of bird flu vaccinations globally. Consequently, Finland’s efforts highlight the importance of preparedness and early intervention in combating infectious diseases.
References
1. Finland to start bird flu vaccinations for humans, in world first. (2024, June 27). REUTERS. https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/finland-start-bird-flu-vaccinations-humans-2024-06-25/#:~:text=The%20European%20Commission%20said%20Finland,THL)%20said%20in%20a%20statement.
