Finland to first start bird flu vaccination for people
Finland plans to carry out preventive vaccination against bird flu as early as next week for some workers who come into contact with animals, thus becoming first country to resort to such measures, Reuters reports
Finland has purchased a vaccine consisting of two injections for 10,000 population. These deliveries were organised as part of a joint EU purchase from CSL manufacturer Seqirus. About 40 million doses have been purchased for 15 countries.
“The vaccine will be offered to those aged 18 or over who are at increased risk of contracting avian influenza due to their work or other circumstances,” the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) said in a statement.
According to THL, the virus has not been detected in humans in Finland. Nevertheless, the country is striving to vaccinate, taking into account the risks of transmission of bird flu.
