Canada purchases 500k doses of bird flu vaccine

The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has bought 500,000 vaccine doses for bird flu (avian influenza).

PHAC said the general public faces a low risk, but people working with infected animals have a higher chance of exposure.

The vaccines will be distributed to provinces and territories, with 60 per cent allocated locally and 4o per cent kept in a federal stockpile for national use.

Securing these vaccines helps Canada be prepared for potential health threats, according to Health Minister Mark Holland.

Canada’s first case of avian influenza A(H5N1) was reported on November 9, 2024, PHAC noted.

The agency added that there is no proof of the virus spreading from person to person in global cases, but can still cause severe illness for some people.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam said that vigilance remains important while the public risk is low.

Canada’s National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) explained the vaccine is not recommended for widespread use at this time, but it could be used by local health authorities to protect those at increased risk.

PHAC continues to work with various health organizations to manage the risks of avian influenza and protect Canadians.