Reports from the UK have shown an increase in cases of avian flu, because of this rise Public Health Isle of Man and Manx Care will be offering the flu vaccine to people who work with poultry.
If you have not had a seasonal flu vaccine for Winter 2024/25 and you work with or handle poultry, you will be invited to book a vaccination to offer protection against flu. The end date for this offer is 31 March 2025.
Who can get the vaccine
Poultry workers or bird handlers.
- Those undertaking bird culling or cleaning at confirmed avian influenza outbreak premises or handling live unwell birds
- Workers employed at, or regularly visiting, statutorily registered poultry units and poultry processing units, who may also be at risk if they have direct exposure to bird faeces/litter such as through initial egg sorting or cleaning of premises
- People involved in collection of wild bird carcasses where avian influenza is suspected
Poultry sites are places where birds that are kept in captivity, like chickens, ducks, and turkeys, are raised. Poultry means all birds kept for producing meat or eggs, for making other products, for restocking wild game, or for breeding.
Why am I being offered a flu vaccine
Public Health Isle of Man and Manx Care have taken advice from the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).
The aim is to lower the risk of poultry workers getting both human and avian ‘bird’ flu at the same time. This will help prevent the creation of a new type of flu that spreads between people.
Bird flu is a virus that causes disease in birds, but there is potential that it can be passed to humans. Poultry, pigeons and wild or migratory birds, such as waterfowl can become infected with the virus. If there was an outbreak of bird flu, there’s a slight risk that those who work in close contact with poultry or birds could catch the bird flu virus.
If they get human seasonal flu at the same time, the two viruses could mix in their bodies to make a new type of flu virus. A new flu virus produced in this way could potentially be very infectious and cause serious illness in people, as they would not have any immunity to the new virus.
When should I have the vaccine
You should have the vaccine now. If you are unwell and have a high temperature (39°C and above), you should wait until you feel better. If you have already been vaccinated this year, you don’t need to have it again until next autumn. If you have already had flu this winter you will still need the vaccine because there are several different types of human flu virus.
Can the flu vaccine cause flu
No. The vaccine doesn’t contain live viruses, so it can’t cause flu.
Which vaccine will I be offered
You will be offered a dose of either QIVc flu vaccine or aQIV vaccine. This depends on your age and you will be given the most appropriate vaccine for you.
Will there be any side effects
Some people get a slight temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, and your arm may feel a bit sore where you were injected. Other reactions are very rare.
Some of the flu vaccines contain egg protein. Tell the person vaccinating if you have an egg allergy.
You should not be vaccinated if you:
- Have had a serious reaction to flu vaccine in the past
- Currently have flu symptoms, for example a temperature of 39°C and above. You can have the vaccine when you are better
- Have already had a flu jab this year – but you should have it again Next autumn
There is no evidence of risk from vaccinating pregnant women, or those who are breast-feeding, with flu vaccine but if you are pregnant and are concerned, please call the Vaccination Team on +44 1624 822111 / 111.
Will the vaccine stop me from getting bird flu
No, the flu vaccine will not protect you from bird flu. However, the vaccine will provide protection from human flu. This will lower the risk of you having bird flu and human flu at the same time, which could then cause a new type of flu that spreads between people. The flu vaccine will also help reduce the risk of severe illness if you were to catch both strains at the same time.
How can I avoid getting bird flu
Bird flu is mainly a disease of birds. Bird flu viruses very rarely cause illness in people, but you can reduce the risk by making sure you follow some simple hygiene measures whilst at work such as regularly washing your hands with soap and water. You can find useful information on the gov.UK page on how to prevent and stop the spread of avian influenza.
How to book a vaccination
Eligible people can also book online via the booking system, call the vaccination team on +44 1624 822111 / 111 or email Vaccinations@gov.im.
For more information, please visit the vaccinations page on gov.im.
People wishing to book an appointment must be registered with the service before attending a drop-in session. You will be registered if you have received a vaccine with the service before.
You can contact the team to register or register online.
