From next week, flu vaccines are available free of charge to some eligible islanders, including pre-school children and pregnant women. Other eligible groups will be offered their vaccine from October, in line with the guidance from the JCVI: JCVI statement on influenza vaccines for 2025 to 2026 – GOV.UK
Those currently eligible are:
• All children aged 2, 3 and 4 years old (those who have not yet started primary school can get the vaccine in some pre-school settings and in all GP practices).
• Children and young people from Reception to Year 11 inclusively (will be offered the vaccination in their school).
• Children aged 6 months to 18 years in a clinical risk group
• Pregnant women (can get their vaccination from Maternity Services)
From October, the free vaccination will also be offered to:
• People aged 65 and over
• Adults aged 18-64 in a clinical risk group
• Those in long-term care facilities (care home visits will be provided by GP practices)
• Carers who are the main carer of an elderly person or a person with disabilities
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
Flu can be an unpleasant illness and may sometimes lead to serious complications. The vaccine is the most effective method for protecting yourself, and others around you, from this potentially severe illness. Children under 5 years of age are among the most at risk of flu-related complications and hospital admissions.
All parents/carers wishing for their child to receive the vaccine in pre-school/school settings are being reminded to please complete and submit the online consent form as soon as possible at: gov.gg/schoolfluconsent
If you want your child to receive the vaccine in their pre-school setting, please complete the consent form by 19 September 2025. The school vaccination programme is ongoing. If you do not want to have the vaccination in a pre-school/school setting, you can also contact your GP surgery to book an appointment for the free vaccine.
For more information, including a video that features GPs from local practices explaining more about the nasal flu vaccine, go to: gov.gg/childvaccines
Alex Hawkins-Drew, Associate Director of Public Health, said: “Getting a flu vaccination isn’t just about protecting yourself – it helps protect our community. Having the vaccination dramatically lowers the risk of serious illness, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions who are at greater risk of complications. By reducing the number of flu cases, we also help reduce the pressure on our hospital services.
“As well as getting the vaccine, practicing good hand hygiene can help limit the spread of the flu virus by catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue throwing it away and washing your hands after – catch it, bin it, kill it.”
You can contact Lukis House on childvaccine@gov.gg or on 01481 222011 if your query relates to the Primary or Secondary schools’ programme.