Covid vaccinations winding down later this summer

Tuesday 20 June 2023

The Government's covid vaccination campaign will draw to a close by mid-July, with Fort Regent only remaining open to individuals with weakened immune systems.

Following guidance from the JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation), both the Spring Booster and Primary Course vaccination offerings will be withdrawn later this summer.

Bookings for both can be made until 30 June, with appointments available until mid-July.

Those who have underlying conditions that affect their immune systems will still be able to receive their vaccinations at Fort Regent after this date, however.

Last month, the World Health Organisation announced that the covid-19 pandemic no longer constitutes a global health emergency. 

The Spring Booster programme opened in April, and is available to islanders aged 75 and over, residents in care homes and immunosuppressed individuals aged five and over. 55% of those eligible for the booster have received their vaccination.

According to a recently released Government report, as of May 2023, 5,581 Spring 2023 boosters had been administered, and an estimated 70% of care home residents had received one.

Pictured: The Spring Booster and Primary Course vaccine offering will be withdrawn in mid-July. 

Meanwhile, 83% of islanders aged five and over have received at least two doses of the vaccine.

Director of Public Health Professor Peter Bradley commented: “We are in a position where we can continue winding down our vaccination programmes and I am pleased that we have been able to make this decision.

“Since the start of the initial vaccine programme in 2020, our hardworking teams have administered over 270,000 vaccines. I would like to thank everyone across the teams for their hard work and the public for their continued support. 

"Our priority is the health and safety of islanders and I want to reassure everyone that we will continue to offer support if they are unwell or concerned about covid-19. I encourage those who haven’t yet had their spring booster if eligible, or their first and second doses, to do so before the offer is withdrawn.”