CDC has provided more than 100,000 doses of seasonal influenza vaccine to 12 states affected by H5 bird flu outbreaks in animals. The goal of this program is to prevent the spread of seasonal flu in these communities and safeguard public health.

While a seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H5 bird flu, increasing seasonal flu vaccination among farm workers can prevent severe illness and help reduce the strain of the flu season on health care systems. Studies show a flu shot can reduce the likelihood of medical visits by as much as 60%. In addition to decreasing illness, it also can make it easier for public health agencies to better detect cases of H5 bird flu, should they occur. And 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.

The CDC is collaborating with local health departments, pharmacies, and mobile clinics to focus its campaign on farm workers. In Kansas, efforts are underway in Barton, Cheyenne, Hamilton, Nemaha, Osborne, Rice, Stanton, and Riley counties.

These counties are home to some of the state’s largest dairies or border areas affected by bird flu outbreaks. According to data from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, these counties also have lower seasonal flu vaccination rates, with less than 25% of the population vaccinated last year.

The CDC will track hospitalizations from severe illnesses caused by the seasonal flu to help researchers assess whether the program has led to a reduction in these cases.

For more information on the program, and to find vaccines, visit CDC’s website.