Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, has become a major concern for Finland due to the global spread of the H5N1 virus strain. The country is taking proactive steps to prevent the spread of the virus by implementing a vaccination program for those working on fur and poultry farms, laboratory technicians handling avian flu samples, veterinarians, and individuals aged 18 and older.
Finland is the first country in the world to deploy bird flu vaccination for people, with a total of 15 countries in Europe planning to administer 40 million doses. The vaccines are being supplied by US company CSL Seqirus, one of the leading producers of influenza vaccines globally. The H5N1 vaccine is prepared using inactivated technology and is recommended for individuals aged 6 months and older.
The decision to implement this vaccination program comes in response to the growing prevalence of H5N1 since 2020. Health experts are concerned about the potential mutation of the virus and its possible spread to other countries, highlighting the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination. To contain the spread of H5N1, Finland plans to cull around 486,000 animals in 2023.
While there have been no reported cases of H5N1 in humans in Finland, avian influenza can cause severe illness and even death in humans. Symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, body aches, and throat pain. Currently, there is no specific treatment for H5N1, underscoring the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination and practicing good hygiene. These include avoiding contaminated meat, cooking food thoroughly