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GPs and pharmacies will start giving flu jabs as part of the Government’s annual winter vaccination programme from Tuesday.
Health are encouraging islanders to get their flu vaccine as soon as they are offered because they say there is a possibility that there will be higher levels of flu this winter, given the virus was low in circulation last year due to Covid restrictions.
Director of Public Health Professor Peter Bradley said: “I am pleased to announce the start of the winter flu vaccine programme and I encourage all eligible Islanders to attend for their flu vaccine as soon as they are able.
“Vaccinating against flu and Covid-19 remains the most effective way to control both viruses and keep our Island community safe as we approach the winter months.
“We are expecting a higher prevalence of flu this winter given the virus was in low circulation last season due to the restrictions that were in place. Vaccinating against flu is very important to ensure that the more vulnerable members of our population are protected.
Pictured: Director of Public Health Professor Peter Bradley.
“I’d like to reassure Islanders that getting the flu and Covid booster vaccinations together is safe and effective, so I’d encourage any eligible Islander attending for their booster vaccination at Fort Regent from Tuesday to take up the offer of the flu vaccine.
The flu vaccine will be free for clinical risk groups which include:
islanders aged 50 and over
pregnant women
households of those on the shielded patient list or of immunocompromised individuals
home carers
care home and domiciliary care staff
Health and Community Services staff
all children aged 2-4 years
school-aged children- Reception up to Year 11
infants 6 months to 2 years of age in a clinical risk group
islanders aged 16-50 in a clinical risk group.
Flu vaccines will be available at GP surgeries and pharmacies. Due to vaccine delivery and distribution dates, Islanders are encouraged to check vaccine availability at their GP surgery or pharmacy before attending on Tuesday.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation has advised that is it safe for the flu and Covid vaccines to be given at the same time.
Islanders who are eligible for a Covid booster vaccination will be offered the flu vaccine at their appointment at Fort Regent.
The flu vaccination will be available at Fort Regent from Tuesday.
Flu vaccines will be available at GP surgeries and pharmacies. Due to vaccine delivery and distribution dates, Islanders are encouraged to check vaccine availability at their GP surgery or pharmacy before attending on Tuesday.
The Government say that islanders should not wait for the possibility of having both vaccines together but should get the flu vaccine when they receive the offer.
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