15 January 2021
Faith leaders in Jersey are encouraging and reminding Islanders who are aged 80 and over to book their free COVID-19 vaccination appointment.
The Dean of Jersey, The Reverend Mike Keirle, the Catholic Dean of Jersey, Canon Dominic Golding, President of the Jersey Jewish Congregation, Stephen Regal, Methodist Superintendent, The Reverend Dawn Saunders and the leader of Jersey’s Muslim community, Dr Sarfraz Jamali have come forward to reiterate the importance of vaccination to this priority group, and are reminding their congregations that appointment slots are still available.
The Dean of Jersey, Reverend Mike Keirle, said: “Many of my parishioners who have been offered the COVID-19 vaccination have already taken the opportunity to book their appointment – some of which have received their vaccinations this week.
“It is extremely encouraging to know they’re now on the path to becoming fully vaccinated and being able to regain some normality in their lives.
“I would urge those who haven’t yet booked their appointment to consider doing so. I would also encourage family members and friends to assist with booking appointments for anyone they know who might not have immediate access to the internet.”
Canon Dominic Golding, Catholic Dean of Jersey added: “Parishioners in this age group who might not have access to the internet can seek help and support to book appointments through their Parish Hall and other organisations and charities like Age Concern, Jersey Alzheimer’s Association, Good Companions and Call&Check, or by calling the Coronavirus Helpline. It’s so important to have the vaccination to help resume our day to day activities.”
Methodist Churches in Jersey have also been proactive in supporting their Parishioners. Methodist Superintendent, The Reverend Dawn Saunders said: “We have already been actively contacting our senior parishioners to make sure they are getting on ok with making appointments and offering assistance where necessary”.
The St Helier Methodist Centre's Minister, Reverend Tony Morling has gone a step further, according to Reverend Saunders: “Tony has set up an old fashioned type bell by the telephone and he rings it when someone telephones him to let him know they have had their vaccination – a bit like the end of treatment bell at Great Ormond - this is such a great, fun way for us to keep in touch with our members”.
The booking system opened to Islanders over 80 years of age last week. Islanders in this group can book an appointment by visiting gov.je/vaccine or by calling the Coronavirus helpline on 01534 445566. Islanders 75+ who live with someone 80+ can also receive the vaccine at the same time by booking both appointments through the Coronavirus helpline.
To make a booking Islanders will need to have the following information on the vaccine recipient to hand:
• Name, Address, Contact details
• Social Security number
• Date of Birth
The appointments will be at the COVID-19 Vaccination Centre at Fort Regent, where all necessary infection control measures have been put in place to ensure the Vaccination Centre is safe to visit. If Islanders are not able to attend an appointment at Fort Regent, a member of the vaccination team will visit them at home. To book a home visit, Islanders can call the Coronavirus Helpline to arrange an appointment from Monday18 January.
It is important not to attend an appointment if feeling unwell or isolating. In such cases appointments must be cancelled by calling the Helpline on 01534 445566 to rearrange once recovered or out of isolation.
gov.je