The vaccine is available to people aged 18 and over who are at increased risk of contracting avian influenza due to their work or other circumstances.
Helsinki offers the avian influenza vaccine free of charge to groups recommended by the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare (THL). To receive the vaccine, book an appointment at your local health station.
In some cases, occupational health services or student health services may also offer avian influenza vaccinations.
The vaccination series consists of two doses, with the second dose given at least three weeks after the first.
For the latest information on the avian influenza vaccine, visit THL's website.
Who is at risk?
The avian influenza vaccine is recommended to:
- Fur farm workers, fur farmers and their family members
- Poultry farm workers, poultry farmers and their family members
- Hobby poultry keepers and their family members
- Veterinarians working with fur animals, poultry or wild birds
- People involved in handling and disposing of sick or dead birds or animals, or in cleaning affected areas, such as those working at facilities that process animal by-products
- Bird ringers
- Staff at wildlife bird rehabilitation centres
- Employees at petting zoos and aviaries
- Laboratory workers handling the avian influenza virus or samples that may contain it
- Gamekeepers handling birds
- Close contacts of suspected or confirmed avian influenza cases
Vaccinations in 2025
If you have previously received two doses of the avian influenza vaccine, you do not need a booster dose in 2025. If you have received only one dose, you will need a second dose now.
