Outbreaks of avian influenza (H5N1) continue to occur in Canada and globally. The risk of avian influenza infection to most people in Canada remains low.
What is avian influenza?
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a contagious infection caused by type A influenza viruses. It mostly affects birds but can infect humans and other mammals.
How is avian influenza spread?
Avian Influenza is rare in humans. Spread is possible through close contact with infected birds or other infected animals. You can become infected if the virus from an infected bird or animals gets into your mouth, nose or eyes.
What are the symptoms of avian influenza?
- Symptoms of avian influenza in humans may include fever, red eyes with discharge (conjunctivitis), cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, headache, nausea, diarrhea or vomiting.
- Avian influenza can also cause serious illness and complications such as shortness of breath, chest pain, pneumonia, respiratory failure and even death.
If you have had exposure to an infected bird or poultry premise and develop symptoms, contact your health care provider for testing. You should call first before visiting a health care provider to let them know about your exposure history and symptoms so they can take steps to protect others.
How to prevent animal to human spread of avian influenza?
The following measures can help prevent infection:
- Avoid touching sick or dead birds and animals or their droppings and environments.
- Limit exposure to poultry farms or bird markets.
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, including after touching uncooked poultry.
- Do not eat raw or undercooked poultry products.
- Avoid eating/drinking unpasteurized milk or unpasteurized dairy products.
An avian influenza (H5N1) vaccine is being offered free to people at increased risk of being repeatedly exposed to the virus.
Avian influenza (H5N1) vaccine
A vaccine for avian influenza (H5N1), also known as bird flu, is now available in Canada. It’s being made available to individuals who are more likely to be repeatedly exposed to the live virus due to their activities or work.
Most people do not need this vaccine, as the risk to the general public is extremely low.
Who can get the vaccine?
The vaccine is available to people who are likely to come into repeated contact with the H5N1 virus, including:
- Lab workers who handle or grow live avian influenza virus.
- Veterinary staff who examine dead animals that may be infected.
- People working in labs with a large number of infected, dead animals.
- People who handle infected animals or clean contaminated areas.
It is also available to people who work in close contact with wild birds or in/around waterfowl habitats, such as:
- Wildlife or animal control officers.
- Wildlife rehabilitation workers.
- Wildlife researchers.
- Hunters and trappers.
- People doing environmental assessments or wildlife surveys.
- Contractors and workers involved in waterborne pathogen research or monitoring.
How is the vaccine given?
The vaccine is given as two doses at least three weeks apart. It is given as an injection into muscles, similar to many other vaccines.
Even if you get the vaccine, it’s still important to follow personal protective equipment (PPE) and biosecurity guidelines.
Seasonal flu vaccines do not protect against H5N1
This vaccine is different from the regular seasonal flu vaccine. It is made specifically to protect against H5N1 — a type of bird flu. Seasonal flu vaccines do not protect against H5N1.
Vaccine safety
The H5N1 vaccine is made in a similar way as earlier vaccines for bird flu and pandemic flu, which were tested and shown to be safe. While this virus strain is new, updating strains is a normal and well-established part of making flu vaccines. Some people may have mild side effects like a sore arm, headache, or feeling tired, which usually go away in a few days. Serious side effects with similar vaccines have been very rare.
In addition to regular vaccine safety surveillance conducted in Canada, vaccine safety will be closely monitored by the Canadian Vaccine Safety Network (CANVAS), a national program that actively tracks vaccine safety after approval. If you get the H5N1 vaccine, you may be asked to take part in a safety study. To learn more, visit canvas-network.ca.
Where to get vaccinated
Please call one of the Public Health Unit’s below to determine eligibility and book an appointment for vaccination.
- Abbotsford Public Health Unit
- Burnaby Public Health Unit
- Chilliwack Public Health Unit
- Guildford Public Health Unit
- Mission Public Health Unit