Time: 2024-06-26
Finland is set to become the first country in the world to offer preemptive bird flu vaccination to workers with exposure to animals. The Nordic country has purchased vaccines for 10,000 people, with each person receiving two injections. The vaccine is part of a joint EU procurement initiative involving 15 nations and the manufacturer CSL Seqirus. The H5N1 strain of bird flu has led to the deaths of millions of poultry worldwide and has also started to spread to mammals, including cows in the United States.
According to the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL), the vaccine will be targeted at individuals aged 18 or older who are at an increased risk of contracting avian influenza due to their work or other circumstances. Finland has not reported any cases of the virus in humans, but the country is taking proactive measures due to the transmission risks posed by its fur farms. Chief Physician Hanna Nohynek emphasized the unique conditions in Finland, where fur farms can come into contact with wildlife.
In response to outbreaks among mink and foxes at open-air fur farms, Finland culled nearly half a million animals last year. Vaccinations are expected to begin as early as next week, targeting workers at fur and poultry farms, lab technicians handling bird flu samples, and veterinarians in regions with fur farms. Additionally, individuals working in sanctuaries caring for wild birds or in livestock farms will also be offered the vaccine.
The European Commission has secured hundreds of thousands of doses of zoonotic avian influenza vaccines to prevent the spread of the virus. The Commission, on behalf of 15 member states, has signed a contract for the supply of up to 665,000 pre-pandemic doses of the Seqirus vaccine, with an option for an additional 40 million doses over a 4-year period. The first vaccines will be sent to Finland for at-risk workers, with shipments to other participating nations to follow.
The vaccine is intended for individuals most exposed to potential transfers of avian influenza from birds or animals, such as poultry farm workers and veterinarians. Other countries, including the US, Canada, and the UK, are also in the process of securing preventative vaccines. Seqirus UK Ltd has EU-wide authorization for the vaccine, which protects against flu caused by H5 strains of the influenza A virus.
In response to the announcement, EU Commissioner for Health and Food Safety Stella Kyriakides emphasized the importance of protecting individuals at higher risk, such as poultry and farm workers. She highlighted the readiness of the European Health Union to take further action if necessary. Vaccine access, surveillance, and testing are crucial for pandemic preparedness, as stated by CSL Seqirus vice-president Lorna Meldrum.
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