From the end of 2026, it will be possible for people who come into frequent contact with birds and pigs to receive a free flu shot via their GP. The government is offering this flu shot to, among others, employees and volunteers of:
- Animal ambulances
- Petting zoos
- Animal shelters
- Bird researchers and volunteers
- Hunters helping the provinces control bird populations
- Transporters of birds and pigs
- Veterinarians and their staff
- Land and green space managers, such as employees of parks or forests
This concerns the ‘standard’ flu shot that protects against human flu, and therefore not a shot that protects against bird flu. This flu shot is advised because this will reduce the chance of the human flu virus and the bird flu virus mixing into a new virus. This can happen if someone is infected by both viruses. This new virus can be dangerous to humans. This risk of mixing exists not only for bird flu, but also for swine flu. In addition to the flu shot, the government recommends wearing protective equipment when in contact with wild animals, such as gloves, a face mask, and an apron.