In a letter to diary operators from Kristin J. Cummings, MD, Chief of the Occupational Health Branch, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) calls on owners and operators of California dairies to offer on-site flu vaccine clinics for employees working with dairy cows. CDPH cites potential benefits of less absenteeism, with less accompanying loss of productivity and revenue. The letter goes on to acknowledge that while seasonal flu vaccines do not protect employees avian flu (H5N1) infection from infected dairy cows, and notes that flu vaccinations could reduce the likelihood of simultaneous infection with seasonal flu and H5NI; some have speculated this poses a risk of development of a new, more dangerous flu variant.

Dr. Cummings letter suggests the possibility of working with local health departments, some of which offer low- or no-cost flu vaccines, providing vouchers for employees to receive vaccines at local pharmacies or clinics, and offering time off to employees to receive the flu vaccine.

CDPH also offers resources to assist with H5N1 testing and access vaccine clinics.