Poultry workers in Hong Kong Monday began to receive free vaccinations for personal protection against bird flu at designated general outpatient clinics of the Hospital Authority.

Although Hong Kong has no reported human cases of H5 influenza, the vaccination program is being carried out at the recommendation of the World Health Organization.

The program covered about 6,000 chicken and pigeon farmers and market live poultry stall keepers in Hong Kong.

Related government staff were also encouraged to be vaccinated, including staff of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department who are in regular contact with poultry or are expected to be involved in avian influenza prevention and control activities. 

(Xinhua News Agency February 2, 2004)