Is there a bird flu vaccine?:
There is a bird flu vaccine that has been developed and approved for use in the United States. It contains one strain of the H5N1 bird flu virus. The vaccine is being produced by sanofi pasteur Inc. and has been purchased by the federal government for the U.S. National Stockpile. If there is a widespread bird flu outbreak, public health officials will distribute this vaccine.
When was it approved for use in the United States?:
The bird flu vaccine was approved by the FDA for use in the United States on April 17, 2007. Since the current bird flu virus is not considered a pandemic virus, though, the vaccine is only being purchased by the federal government for the National Stockpile. More vaccines with different strains of bird flu virus are currently being developed by other companies.
Do I need a bird flu vaccine?:
No, the bird flu vaccine is not available to the general public. It is being stockpiled as an insurance measure in case the bird flu mutates and becomes easily transmitted between humans. In this case, it could become a pandemic flu and the stockpiles would make it easier to create more vaccine and protect high-risk individuals at that time.
Can I get a bird flu vaccine if I'm traveling to a high-risk area?:
No, the vaccine is not currently available to anyone in the general public. Immunization is not recommended at this time for people traveling to high-risk areas of the world.
Benefits of the bird flu vaccine:
If bird flu were to become a pandemic, having the bird flu vaccine in the National Stockpile would ensure that the vaccine is available for those at the highest risk for contracting the bird flu.
How the bird flu vaccine is administered:
The bird flu vaccine is administered in two separate intramuscular doses in the upper arm. The second shot is given 28 days after the first. It is currently only approved for adults ages 18 to 64. Additional testing in children and the elderly population is expected in the near future.
Will the seasonal flu vaccine protect me against bird flu?:
No, the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against bird flu. It contains different strains of the flu virus but not H5N1. The seasonal flu vaccine is still your best protection against the flu each year.
If I can't get a bird flu vaccine, how can I protect myself?:
There are a lot of steps you can take to prepare yourself and your family for a flu pandemic. Although the bird flu vaccine may not be available, there are plenty of other things you can do. If you do happen to travel to a part of the world that has seen an outbreak of the bird flu, you should avoid traveling to poultry farms, having contact with animals in live food markets and touching any surfaces that appear to be contaminated with feces from poultry or other animals.
Sources:
"Questions and Answers About Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) and Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus." Avian Influenza (Flu) 28 May 08. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 19 Aug 08.
"H5N1 Influenza Virus Vaccine: Questions and Answers." Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research 17 Apr 07. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 19 Aug 08.
