Flu Vaccines for Poultry Workers and Bird Handlers

Posted on December 3rd, 2025

This winter, the NHS in Scotland is offering the free flu vaccine this winter to those at risk of exposure to avian (bird) flu.

People are eligible if they:

• work at, or regularly visit, poultry units and poultry processing units (including inspection staff).
• cull and/or clean at confirmed bird flu outbreak premises.
• are likely to be handling live unwell birds where bird flu is suspected.
• are involved in the collection of wild or domestic bird carcasses where bird flu is suspected, including sea birds.

While the vaccine doesn’t protect against bird flu, it can reduce the risk of a new flu virus forming which could happen if you’re exposed to both human flu and bird flu at the same time.

To book an appointment visit nhsinform.scot/flu or call 0800 030 8013. You’ll be able to book an appointment on a day, time and at a location convenient for you. All you need to do is identify yourself as a “poultry worker” on the portal, or to the call handler.