09 October 2018
In the first week of this year’s flu vaccination programme to protect vulnerable islanders, more than 2,100 adults have had the vaccine in their GP surgery or local pharmacy.
This year’s vaccination programme started on Monday 1 October. It aims to prevent flu in specific groups of people who would be most vulnerable to complications if they caught the illness in the coming winter.
Young children, pregnant women, people with a long-term medical condition and anyone aged 65 or over are considered most at risk of having complications from catching flu or of being hospitalised due to flu.
More than half of those who had the flu vaccination in the first week are aged 65 or over.
Dr Linda Diggle, Head of Preventive Programmes, oversees logistics for the flu vaccination programme. She said: "We’re pleased with the number of adults that have been quick off the mark to get themselves protected against flu during this first week of the vaccination programme.
"Flu is far more dangerous in older age. This year the flu injection for people aged 65 or over is an ‘enhanced’ vaccine designed to help the older immune system develop a stronger defense against flu.
"Demand for the enhanced flu vaccine for people aged 65 or over is expected to be high this year. There’s only one manufacturer of this vaccine and they are shipping it out as quickly as they can to the UK and to Jersey.
"The anticipated high demand means older people should make an appointment with their surgery or pharmacy to allow further supplies to reach the island. The enhanced flu vaccine is the best protection to prevent them catching flu this winter."
gov.je