Health Minister agrees order for new flu virus vaccine

07 May 2009

Jersey’s Health Minister, Deputy Anne Pryke, has agreed to secure for Jersey the H1N1 (Swine Flu) pandemic-specific vaccine as soon as the first batch becomes available.

The vaccine is being manufactured to match the new pandemic flu virus strain exactly so it should give immunity to most people. Enough jabs have been ordered for the whole population and they’re expected to be delivered to Jersey in the autumn.

Health Minister, Deputy Anne Pryke said: “We’re taking the threat of an imminent flu pandemic very seriously. Last week, the World Health Organisation raised the pandemic alert phase from 4 to 5 so we must take the necessary steps to prepare the Island and ensure everyone in Jersey has the maximum protection against it.”

There are currently no suspected cases of the new flu virus in the Island but Jersey’s Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, says that once the new virus reaches Jersey it’s essential we do all we can to reduce the risk of infection: “We’ve ordered this vaccine but we must still do all we can to keep transmission rates low as it will take several months before the vaccine becomes available.

“The Public Health department is currently working on a public awareness campaign to encourage good hygiene which will help prevent the spread of infection.”

Public information leaflets about the new H1N1 flu are being produced and will be posted to every household as soon as possible. These are being translated into Polish and Portuguese and will be distributed in public buildings and through community groups.

A special helpline has been set up to answer Islanders’ queries. It is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and the number to call is 445566. You can also e-mail your questions to publichealth@health.gov.je or visit www.gov.je/flu for the latest information.