Islanders urged to get their Winter Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations

05 October 2022

​Public Health is calling on Islanders to come forward now to receive their annual flu vaccination and COVID-19 Autumn Booster, which is now available for all eligible Islanders.

The call is in response to the early arrival of seasonal influenza (flu) in Jersey. Flu is already at higher levels this year than previously and is rising, coinciding with an increase of COVID-19 infections and an expected further wave this winter. 

Islanders eligible for the COVID-19 Autumn Booster can save time and receive their annual flu vaccinations at the same time at Fort Regent. Annual flu vaccinations are also available to Islanders at their GP or local pharmacy. 

Islanders eligible for the free annual flu vaccination are: 

• People aged 50 and over • aged over 16 years in clinical risk group
• Infants 6 months to 2 years of age in a clinical risk group
• All children nursery aged children (2 – 4 years) and school aged children reception up to year 11
• Pregnant women
• Households of those on the shielded patient list or of immunosuppressed individuals • home carers and care home staff
• All staff providing domiciliary care • all staff in Health and Community Services
• All staff in GP Practices and community pharmacies
• All dental staff

Islanders who are eligible for the COVID-19 Autumn Booster are those:

• Aged 50 and over
• Aged 5 and over and in a clinical risk group
• Aged 5 and over and are household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals
• Who are residents or staff in care homes for older adults
• Who are health or social care workers
• Aged 16 and over and are a carer
• Who are pregnant

The annual flu programme for school children has already begun. Parents should have received consent forms for their children to be vaccinated against the flu and immunisation nurses from Health and Community Services are attending schools to provide the nasal vaccine.

Islanders can find out more information on the flu programme at gov.je/flu.

Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, said: “It is vital that eligible Islanders come forward for both their COVID-19 autumn boosters and their flu vaccinations as soon as possible to give themselves and those around them the best protection this winter.

“The flu virus has already arrived in Jersey which is much earlier than usual. In the last two years, flu levels have been relatively low so natural immunity is likely to have waned and because flu viruses tend to change from season to season. This flu vaccine is well matched to the circulating strains. I urge everyone who is eligible for this vaccination to book an appointment with the GP or local pharmacy. 

“Like last year, those who receive their COVID-19 vaccine at the Fort and who are eligible for the flu, can save time and receive both vaccines at the same appointment. I encourage families and friends of elderly relatives to help them book their vaccination appointment at Fort Regent.

"Either virus can cause serious illness, and the risk of Islanders requiring hospitalisation or experiencing serious illness is increased if both viruses are caught at the same time. It is therefore imperative that everyone eligible is vaccinated and protected this winter.” 

Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Karen Wilson, said: “Our vaccination programme has been hugely successful at keeping Islanders safe and well. I urge all those who are eligible to take up this offer now to ensure they have the best protection over the winter period.

“Once again, we’ve made it easy for all those that are eligible for both vaccines to receive their doses at Fort Regent. By taking up the offer of the Bivalent COVID-19 booster, Islanders are being protected from the original and Omicron variants. In addition, flu is circulating earlier than usual this year so we must all do our part to protect each other this winter.” 

Islanders are continually encouraged to follow Public Health guidance: 

• Keep up to date with vaccination
• Isolate if you have symptoms or a positive LFT, and get a PCR test
  
• Use a lateral flow test before visiting health and care settings or vulnerable individuals
• Open windows and doors to let fresh air in, and maximise ventilation whenever possible
• Wash and sanitise your hands regularly

Islanders who haven’t yet had their first, second, or third COVID-19 vaccine are welcome to book an appointment at the vaccine centre. Vaccinations can be booked on gov.je/vaccine or by calling the Coronavirus Helpline on 0800 735 5566.