Avian Influenza Vaccinations for At-Risk Individuals Starting in July
The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County will begin to offer vaccinations against avian influenza (bird flu) to individuals aged 18 and above who are at an increased risk of exposure to the virus. The vaccinations are scheduled to start in July.
Target Groups for the Avian Influenza Vaccine
The avian influenza vaccine will be available to the following groups:
- Workers on fur farms who come into contact with animals
- Poultry workers who come into contact with birds (excluding slaughterhouse workers)
- Individuals involved in the handling or disposal of sick or dead birds or other animals, including those working in waste treatment for animal by-products
- Bird ringers
- Employees at wild bird treatment facilities
- Employees of domestic animal parks and bird farms
- Official veterinarians
- Laboratory personnel handling the avian influenza virus or potentially infected samples
- Close contacts of individuals with suspected or confirmed avian influenza, should human cases arise
The vaccine aims to prevent both the transmission of avian influenza and the development of severe forms of the disease. Although transmission to humans is rare, certain avian influenza viruses can cause serious illness in humans. Therefore, vaccination is recommended for those at increased risk of infection. Additionally, these vaccinations aim to prevent undesired mutations of the virus—a risk that human transmission can increase.
Read more about avian influenza and its prevention on the THL website.(external link)
The THL website also contains answers to frequently asked questions.
Vaccination Schedule and Locations
Vaccinations are administered by appointment to individuals at increased risk of avian influenza due to their work. The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County will administer these vaccinations at the Tapiola health station in Espoo, the Lohja central health station, and the Ekenäs health station in Raseborg.
The vaccination series consists of two doses, with the second dose administered over a month after the first.
The initial dose will be available during weeks 27 and 28 in early July. The follow-up dose will be scheduled for weeks 32 or 33 during the initial appointment. Outside these dates, the vaccine will be available only in exceptional cases.
Appointments can be booked as of Tuesday 25 June 2024
Individuals who belong to the target groups for the vaccine can book their appointment starting Tuesday, 25 June 2024.
Residents of Espoo and Kauniainen: Schedule appointments for the Tapiola health station by calling 09 47636 400. Select “Tapiola health station” and “Vaccinations.” The service is available Mon–Fri, 8:00–15:30.
Residents of other municipalities: Schedule appointments for the Lohja health station online at https://sote.easiointi.fi/fi/web/luvn-te/(external link)
Appointments for Ekenäs health station: If you belong to the target group and prefer to be vaccinated in Ekenäs, please book your appointment online at (https://sote.easiointi.fi/fi/web/luvn-te/(external link)) or by phone at tel. 09 47636 410. Select “Tammisaari/Ekenäs” and “Vaccines”. The service is available Mon–Fri, 8:00–15:30.
More information on avian influenza and the vaccine can be found on the THL website: https://thl.fi/aiheet/infektiotaudit-ja-rokotukset/taudit-ja-torjunta/taudit-ja-taudinaiheuttajat-a-o/lintuinfluenssa(external link)