Bird flu vaccine for occupationally exposed persons
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Below, you will find information about the bird flu (avian influenza) vaccine and the occupational groups that are eligible to receive it.
About bird flu
Bird flu is a contagious viral disease that mainly affects birds. Wild birds can spread bird flu to domestic birds and in rare cases to other animals and humans.
It is very rare for humans to become infected with bird flu, but it can happen after close, unprotected contact with sick or dead animals, or their bodily fluids.
No cases of bird flu in humans have been confirmed in Norway.
What are the symptoms of the disease?
Bird flu can cause mild to severe illness in humans.
Symptoms may include conjunctivitis, flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, headache, muscle aches, sore throat), or severe respiratory illness (e.g. breathing difficulties, pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)). Nausea, stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting may sometimes occur. Neurological symptoms caused by encephalitis or symptoms originating in other organs may also occur.
Why have the bird flu vaccine?
The main purpose of vaccination is to protect individuals from serious illness and death caused by bird flu. Vaccination is therefore particularly important for people who are at increased risk of exposure to bird flu due to their occupation.
Which occupational groups are eligible for the bird flu vaccine?
The vaccine is recommended for people who are at increased risk of contracting bird flu due to their occupation or other circumstances.
The Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) considers the vaccine to be particularly relevant for people over the age of 18 in the following occupational groups:
- Commercial poultry farmers and poultry farm workers.
- Poultry handlers (workers who handle poultry on poultry farms).
- Veterinarians and producer consultants/advisors, as well as inspectors from the poultry industry and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority who come into direct contact with sick birds.
- Sanitation personnel responsible for managing suspected or confirmed outbreaks of bird flu.
- Laboratory personnel at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
- Laboratory personnel at the Norwegian Veterinary Institute.
How is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is given as an injection in the arm and is given in two doses, with at least three weeks between each dose.
How does the vaccine work?
The vaccine stimulates the body to produce antibodies against the bird flu virus and is similar to a type of vaccine that is used against seasonal influenza. The vaccine provides protection approximately two weeks after the second dose.
Side effects of the bird flu vaccine
After vaccination, mild local reactions such as pain, redness and swelling around the injection site may occur within a few days. You may also experience temporary symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, fatigue or nausea.
These symptoms can be treated with fever-reducing and pain-relieving medications. A cool compress can help relieve heat and swelling.
Serious side effects, such as severe allergic reactions, are very rare.
The bird flu vaccine cannot cause bird flu.
How much does the vaccine cost?
The vaccine is free, but you will probably have to pay a user fee to receive it.
How can I get the bird flu vaccine?
If you would like to be vaccinated against bird flu, contact your occupational health service or general practitioner for an assessment.