Alberta is reviewing new guidance on H5N1 avian influenza vaccines, and who might get them, as shipments are readied to fan out across the country and concerns about the virus grow.

The Government of Canada has secured an initial supply of 500,000 doses of GSK's bird flu vaccine to protect individuals most at risk of being exposed to the virus through animals infected with avian influenza.

The federal government says it has purchased 500,000 doses of a bird flu vaccine as a proactive measure, pointing to guidance that says high-risk people should be prioritized for the shot, such as farm workers exposed to infected animals.