Public Health reports published

21 September 2021

The Public Health Intelligence team have published five reports. These include the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Statistics 2020-2021 which shows that the immunisation programme last winter was the most successful on record.

Five published reports:

Last year's Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Statistics show the highest levels of vaccine uptake recorded for those 65 years and over, under 65's with a clinical condition, two and three year olds, and school-aged children.

Seasonal influenza-like- illness was lower throughout the 2020-2021 flu season than in previous years and contributed to fewer GP visits for flu illnesses and hospitalisations compared with previous flu seasons.

The Jersey Abortion Report 2019 and 2020 both show that there were 190 abortions having taken place in each year. The number of abortions has decreased over the last two decades, with 120 fewer terminations in 2020 (190) than reported in 2001 (310).

The 2020 Births and Breastfeeding Profile highlights that there were 869 live births in 2020, representing the lowest annual total since 1983. Additionally, the proportion of mothers giving birth aged 35 years and over has increased from 24% In 2001 to one in three (36%) in 2020.

Due to delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Jersey Abortion Report 2019 is being published at the same time as the 2020 Report. With the Public Health Directorate having recently been strengthened, the Public Health Intelligence team are now resourced to publish future reports on an annual basis.

Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf, said: "The Public Health Intelligence Team have been working hard to produce key analysis and statistics to support the Public Health Directorate in understanding the health and wellbeing of the public.

"I am pleased that the team have now published five important reports covering statistics on influenza, abortion, births and breastfeeding.

"Covid-19 mitigation measures such as wearing face masks, staying at home, hand washing, reduced travel, increased ventilation of indoor spaces, and physical distancing, are likely to have contributed to the low level of flu incidence in 2020-2021.

"Additionally, the high uptake of the influenza vaccination will have contributed to reduced flu illness during the 2020–2021 season. I urge all eligible Islanders to take up the flu vaccine in order to protect themselves and others around them this winter."