At present, there are no specific human vaccines protecting from avian influenza. And underway are relentless efforts seeking to develop and try some of the recently produced vaccines.
It is true that vaccination against human influenza may not protect those vaccinated from Bird Flu infection; yet, it is recommended for the most prone persons to be given this vaccine, to prevent the infection of human influenza simultaneously. This may cause the two viruses to exchange their genetic materials, giving way to the appearance of a new human virus, easy to be transmitted among humans.
Human influenza vaccination is recommended for the following groups:
- Persons in contact with the birds or bird farms proven or suspected to have avian influenza (H5N1), especially those working in the field of culling and eliminating infected birds.
- Persons working in the health field, especially those responsible for treating suspected or confirmed bird flu cases among humans.
- If the vaccine is available in adequate quantities, it will be recommended to vaccinate all workers at the hospitals receiving emergency cases at the regions proven to be hit by avian influenza (H5N1).
This is aside from giving the human influenza vaccine for the other known medical causes of human influenza.