Avian Influenza Vaccinations for At-Risk Individuals (March–May 2025)

The vaccine is provided for:

• Workers and owners at fur farms and their family members.
• Poultry workers, poultry farm owners, and their family members.
• Individuals maintaining small-scale poultry operations (fewer than 1,000 chickens) and their family members.
• Veterinarians working with fur animals, poultry, or wild birds.
• 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.
• Laboratory personnel handling avian influenza viruses or potentially infected samples.
• Gamekeepers who come in contact with birds.
• Close contacts of individuals with suspected or confirmed avian influenza.

The vaccination aims to prevent avian influenza infections and reduce the risk of severe illness. Although human infection is rare, certain strains can cause serious health problems. Vaccination helps minimize infections and reduces the potential for the virus to mutate into forms transmissible between humans.

Read more about avian influenza and its prevention on the THL website (in Finnish).(external link)

Vaccinations require an appointment and are specifically for those at higher risk due to occupational exposure. The Western Uusimaa Wellbeing Services County offers 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. The second dose can be administered no earlier than three weeks after the first.

The initial vaccinations will be available for inividuals in at-risk groups starting in March 2025. The second dose will be scheduled during your first appointment for April or May. Vaccinations outside these dates will be available only under exceptional circumstances. 

Residents of Espoo and Kauniainen: Schedule appointments for the Tapiola health station by calling 09 47636 400. Select “Tapiola health station” and “Vaccinations.” 09 47636 400. Select “Tapiola health station” and “Vaccinations”. The service is available Mon–Fri, 8:00–15:30. You may also book the appointment online at: https://luvn.terveytesi.fi/citizenportal/#/login(external link)

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 (in Finnish)(external link)

THL Press Release 6.3.2025: The risk of avian influenza increases when the spring migration of birds starts – vaccinations for target groups to begin (external link)