Finland to Begin H5N1 Bird Flu Vaccinations for Workers Exposed to Animals in World First

Jun 25, 2024, 11:05 AM

Finland is set to become the first country in the world to initiate bird flu vaccinations for humans. The Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) announced that preemptive vaccinations would be offered to workers exposed to animals, particularly those on fox and mink fur farms, following outbreaks of the H5N1 bird flu. The vaccine will be available to individuals aged 18 and over who are at increased risk of contracting avian influenza due to their work or other circumstances. This move has been highlighted as a necessary step to prevent the spread of the virus, with FOX 11 airing a segment calling for similar measures in other countries.