Doctors have warned that “vaccine fatigue” is leading to a sharp decline in uptake after new data showed fewer islanders are getting their covid-19 and flu vaccinations.
The latest figures from Public Health show that just 10,798 covid-19 booster doses were given by the end of January 2025.
This was down 41% from the same period last winter which saw 15,306 boosters administered by 25 February 2024.
Pictured: An estimated coverage of each eligible group, along with an assessment of the data quality. (Public Health)
Meanwhile, only 45% of over-65s have had their autumn booster this season, compared to 63% last year.
The drop is even steeper in care homes, where uptake has fallen from 85% to 63%.
Flu vaccination rates are also down. This winter, 65% of over-65s have had their flu jab, compared to 74% last year.
The declining numbers come amid reports of difficulty getting appointments – with one islander who enquired about her flu and covid jabs in early December being told the next available slot wasn’t until mid-February.
Responding to the figures, Public Health Director Professor Peter Bradley told Express the lower uptake was expected and similar to trends elsewhere in the world.
“We recognise that the uptake of the winter vaccines has been lower than what we had anticipated, however this is reflected across other jurisdictions,” he said.
“We know that some islanders perceive covid-19 to be a lower risk five years on and that there is some vaccine fatigue.
“However, it’s still important that those who are vulnerable get vaccinated regularly to ensure they are fully protected against severe disease.
“The vaccines are adapted every season to protect against circulating viruses.”
Professor Bradley confirmed there had been no supply or distribution issues, but said vaccinations are now managed by GP surgeries rather than government-led clinics.
He explained: “Each GP surgery has their own policy on how best to organise their appointments.”
Bryony Perchard, from the Primary Care Body that represents GPs, told Express that demand had been unpredictable – which made it difficult to plan clinics efficiently.
“The initial aim was to achieve 80% vaccination coverage during October and November and clinics were planned and staffed accordingly at that time,” she said.
“However, demand was variable and inconsistent, making it challenging to plan and operate clinics efficiently.
“General practice faced logistical difficulties in accommodating walk-in appointments – managing vaccine wastage, particularly with multidose vials, was particularly problematic.”
She added: “Furthermore, there were widespread reports of vaccine fatigue and declining uptake among the general population.
“This, combined with fluctuating demand, created significant challenges in staffing and resource allocation for vaccination clinics.”
Dr Perchard explained that GP practices scaled back vaccinations after Christmas due to low demand.
When interest increased again in January, they had to “rush” to add extra clinics while also dealing with a rise in seasonal illnesses.
“Unfortunately, many of the clinics we struggled to produce remained half empty,” she added.
Dr Perchard also confirmed there were no vaccine shortages, and flu jabs remain available at pharmacies.
However, she explained that covid vaccinations required scheduled clinics because of how they are formulated.
She also mentioned that the Primary Care Body and Public Health are now reviewing communication strategies to encourage vaccine uptake ahead of the spring campaign, which will focus on the most vulnerable groups, including over-75s and the immunosuppressed.
The flu vaccine remains available until the end of March, and those eligible are encouraged to book as soon as possible.
