Finland To Become the First Country in the World to Administer Bird Flu Vaccination for Humans

Next week, Finland will start offering preemptive vaccination against bird flu in its vulnerable populations.

World's First Bird Flu Vaccine

Finland will be the first country in the world, where shots against avian influenza will be officially rolled out to humans, according to the statement of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL) on June 25. Several diverse infections, caused by the viral disease, have recently been spreading. Viruses were found to be transmitted not only to farm animals but to human beings as well.

The Nordic country has secured enough vaccines to be administered to 10,000 people, each of whom will be given two shots. The series of vaccines was acquired as part of a deal by the European Union with Australian vaccine maker CSL Seqirus that promises 40 million doses for 15 nations. Some 665,000 shots were delivered to the EU and the rest are to be delivered over four years.

According to THL, the shots against bird flu are to be administered to people 18 years old and above who, due to the nature of their job or for other reasons, face an increased risk of contracting avian influenza. These include poultry and fur farm workers, veterinarians working as animal control officers, and laboratory staff handling bird flu samples.

These viruses have so far not been detected in any human events in Finland; fur farming in the country, however, is able to pose a high risk for transferral to people. Fur farms, according to Finland's Chief Physician Hanna Nohynek of the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, are particularly vulnerable to the virus. Fur-bearing animals often come into contact with wildlife.

Last year, about 485,000 poultry were eradicated in the Finnish farms to ensure that the avian flu will not spread anymore. Thus, the government's preemptive stance will better serve its people and be better prepared for the risks of bird flu.

Increasing Threats From Bird Flu

Avian influenza comprises various influenza type A viruses that primarily infect birds. But sometimes, it can also infect non-avian species, such as mammals and even human beings.

Among the various strains of viruses, H5N1 is one of the highly noteworthy ones as it rapidly circulates in wild birds across the globe. This is transmitted through the mucus, saliva, and excreta of birds and might show up with health risks to other animals in close contact.

This past March, the CDC called H5N1 strain an "ongoing multi-state outbreak" after its speedy infection of US dairy cow herds. The infection of bird flu cropped up in 101 dairy herds of cattle in 12 states, according to the Department of Agriculture, and several cases were confirmed in dairy workers.

Scientists were surprised with the transmission of the virus from birds to cattle. Experts previously believed that cows were not susceptible to avian influenza virus.

Last April, it was reported that the first human fatality from avian influenza had been reported in the country of Mexico. Several countries like the UK, Australia, Vietnam, China, Chile, and Cambodia also reported cases of humans catching H5N1 strain.

The bird flu virus can be transferred to humans by direct contact with the infected ones or products derived from them. One can also inhale the virus near an infected animal since it is airborne in nature.

Check out more news and information on H5N1 in Science Times.