Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Vaccine Availability
Avian Influenza A (H5N1) is spreading globally among wild and domestic birds, with occasional transmission to mammals and rare human cases.
To date, no sustained human-to-human transmission has been detected. Canada has had one confirmed human case, however the U.S. has had several, mostly linked to dairy cattle or poultry exposure. The risk to the general public remains low.
The federal government has a limited supply of Arepanrix™ H5N1 vaccines. Vaccines are distributed to provinces and territories to support targeted immunization programs.
Ontario’s Human Vaccines against Avian Influenza (HVAI) Program is focused on individuals with high occupational exposure to H5N1, despite no current pandemics.
This program is coordinated by Ontario's Ministry of Health in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA), The Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR), and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
Huron Perth Public Health will facilitate vaccine access and report usage to the Ministry and Public Health Agency of Canada.
Eligibility for Arepanrix vaccine in Ontario:
Individuals with regular contact with infected or dead birds:
- Wildlife officers, researchers, rehabilitators (e.g., bird banders)
- Veterinarians or vet techs involved in necropsies
- Lab personnel working directly with live H5N1 virus
- Hunters and trappers are **not** currently eligible due to lower risk.
If you have patients who are eligible to receive the Arepanrix vaccine, contact Jennifer Beaver to order doses: jbeaver@hpph.ca or 1-888-221-2133 ext 3273.
For more information, please refer to these Ministry of Health resources:
