NHS Scotland is now offering the free flu vaccine to certain cattle and swine workers from this winter, aiming to prevent the creation of a "new flu virus" that could spread easily and cause serious illness.
The move extends the seasonal flu vaccination programme to people who work closely with livestock, after concerns that workers could catch both bird flu and human flu at the same time, allowing the viruses to mix and create a new strain.
Why livestock workers are being offered the jab
Public Health Scotland has set out guidance in a leaflet explaining the risk. It states: "During a bird flu outbreak, people who work closely with cattle and swine, especially if they come into close contact with animals or animal waste, may be at risk of catching the virus."
The leaflet adds: "If someone has bird flu and human flu at the same time, the viruses could mix in their body and create a new type of flu virus. A new flu virus produced in this way could spread very easily and cause serious illness, because people would not have immunity to it."
The flu jab will not protect workers from bird flu, but it will provide the best possible protection against human flu viruses. This lowers the risk of having both types of flu at the same time, reducing the chances of creating a new virus and helping to prevent serious illness if both are caught.
Who is eligible for the free vaccine
Eligible workers include those who work on cattle or swine farms, such as feeding, cleaning, caring for animals or checking animal health, including seasonal, casual and volunteer roles. Also covered are vets and those involved in monitoring animal health, people who move, handle or transport livestock, including drivers and those loading animals, and workers in barns, pens, slaughterhouses or processing plants.
The vaccine is also available to those who handle animals at markets, shows or fairs, Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) inspectors, Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) inspectors, and workers for companies that visit farms and may come into close contact with animals or animal waste.
How to get the vaccine and recognise flu symptoms
Vaccination clinics are available across Scotland, and appointments can be made through the online booking portal on the NHS Inform page. Alternatively, people can call the national vaccination helpline on 0800 030 8013.
Flu, also known as influenza, is an infectious virus that spreads through the air when people sneeze or cough and can live on surfaces. Unlike a cold, the flu can develop suddenly. Symptoms include a sudden fever of 38C or over, chills, muscle aches and pains, extreme tiredness, headache, and a dry cough, sore throat and stuffy nose.
Those who have the flu are urged to stay at home and rest so the virus is not spread to vulnerable people who could experience serious complications.
