Wyandot County Public Health is working with the Ohio Department of Health to protect farm workers from H5 bird flu. The H5 bird flu is widespread in wild birds worldwide and is causing outbreaks in poultry and U.S. dairy cows. There have been several recent human cases in U.S. dairy and poultry workers.
While the public health risk is low, farm workers are at an increased risk due to their exposure to poultry and dairy animals. To assist in protecting this group and reducing the strain on local health systems, Wyandot Count Public Health has received grant funding to provide free seasonal flu vaccine clinics for farm workers. Wyandot County Public Health staff will facilitate a clinic at farming facilities to provide these free flu shots to farm workers. Clinics may also be set up off site at the health department or other community facilities based on preference.
At these clinics, farm workers will be offered the 2024-2025 trivalent flu vaccine, which is approved for individuals ages 6 months and older. High dose vaccines are available for individuals 65 and older.
While a seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H5 bird flu, increasing seasonal flu vaccination among farm workers can prevent severe illness and helps reduce the strain of the flu season on health care systems. Fewer people infected with seasonal flu means fewer opportunities for the very rare possibility of co-infection with both a human seasonal virus and an avian virus.
These clinics are a free benefit to farm workers and will not require insurance information or any out-of-pocket costs.
Farming facilities interested in participating in this free flu vaccine program should reach out to Wyandot County Public Health Director of Nursing Candace Kimmel by calling 419-294-3852 ext. 230 or emailing nursing@co.wyandot.oh.us.
