Free flu vaccines offered to poultry workers in Scotland

NHS Scotland is offering free flu vaccinations this winter to people at risk of exposure to avian influenza.

The drive, launched ahead of winter 2025, aims to protect those working in close contact with birds.

While the seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against avian flu, it can reduce the risk of a person being infected with both viruses at once.

See also: Farm Doctor: What to do when you have the flu

Those eligible for a free flu vaccine include people who:

• Work at or regularly visit poultry units and processing facilities
• Are involved in culling or cleaning at outbreak sites
• Handle live, unwell birds where bird flu is suspected
• Collect carcasses of wild or domestic birds, including sea birds, in areas where bird flu may be present

Employers are encouraged to promote the vaccine to staff.

Public Health Scotland has provided posters and materials to support uptake that can be found here.

“Please help us this winter and encourage your staff to get vaccinated,” reads the guidance.

“The vaccine protects against seasonal flu, which will help keep your workforce healthy and reduce staff illness.”

Appointments can be booked via the NHS website or by calling 0800 030 8013.

Individuals should select “Winter 2025 – Flu vaccine – aged 18 years and over” and identify as a “poultry worker”.

An Avian Influenza Prevention Zone (AIPZ) remains in place across Scotland, first declared on 25 January 2025 and amended most recently on 26 September 2025.

The AIPZ requires strict biosecurity measures for all bird keepers, though housing birds is not currently mandatory.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 was last confirmed near Banff, Aberdeenshire, on 1 August 2025.