Seasonal flu vaccine offer now available for poultry farmers and processors

The Public Health Agency (PHA) is offering a free seasonal flu vaccine this winter to those at risk of exposure to avian (bird) flu. While the vaccine doesn't protect against bird flu, it can reduce the risk of a new flu virus forming which could happen if someone is exposed to flu and bird flu at the same time.

In line with advice issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the Department of Health policy, the flu vaccine is being offered to people who handle and work with poultry, including people processing poultry, egg sorting or who have direct exposure to bird faeces and staff who work with dead, living captive or wild birds. 

Bird flu is a virus that causes disease in birds, but there is potential that it can be passed to humans. Poultry, pigeons and wild or migratory birds, such as waterfowl can become infected with the virus. If there was an outbreak of bird flu, there’s a slight risk that those who work in close contact with poultry or birds could catch the bird flu virus.

If they get human seasonal flu at the same time, the two viruses could mix in their bodies to make a new type of flu virus. A new flu virus produced in this way could potentially be very infectious and cause serious illness in people, as they would not have any immunity to the new virus.

Dr Sinead McGuinness, Public Health Consultant at the PHA said: “Following advice from JCVI we are now offering the seasonal flu vaccine to people at risk of exposure to avian flu, also known as bird flu, and this group includes poultry farmers and processors.

“I would urge those eligible to take up the offer of vaccination as although the vaccine won’t protect them against bird flu, it can reduce the risk of a new flu virus forming which could happen if you’re exposed to flu and bird flu at the same time. The vaccine will also help reduce your risk of illness from seasonal flu.”

The seasonal flu vaccine is also being offered to:

• Those undertaking bird culling or cleaning at confirmed avian influenza outbreak premises or handling live unwell birds;
• Workers employed at, or regularly visiting, statutorily registered poultry units and poultry processing units, who may also be at risk if they have direct exposure to bird faeces/litter such as through initial egg sorting or cleaning of premises; and
• People involved in collection of wild bird carcasses where avian influenza is suspected.

To find out more and where you can get vaccinated see www.nidirect.gov.uk/winter-vaccines