Jersey winter vaccine rollout to begin next week

For those not in the eligible groups the vaccines is not free but can be done privately

Appointments for Jersey residents eligible for free flu and Covid-19 vaccines will be available from next week, Public Health has announced.

The annual winter vaccination program with jabs booked through GPs starts on 29 September.

Prof Peter Bradley, director of Public Health, encouraged islanders to get vaccinated before viruses start circulating this winter.

He said: "Both flu and Covid-19 can cause serious illness, particularly to the most vulnerable in our community."

Who is eligible?

The flu vaccine is available for free from GPs and pharmacies for several groups:

• Islanders aged 65 and over

• Healthcare workers and registered carers

• Clinically at-risk children aged six months to two years

• Children aged two to 16

• All clinically at-risk individuals aged 16-50, which includes pregnant women

• Households of clinically at-risk islanders or those on the shielded patient list

The annual flu program for school children is already under way, using a nasal vaccine. Catch-up clinics will be organised for any children who missed their vaccination at school.

The Covid-19 vaccine is provided free of charge from GPs for islanders aged 75 and over, adults living in care homes for older adults and for immunosuppressed people aged six months and above.

Prof Peter Bradley urged eligible islanders to arrange their vaccination as soon as possible.

Details of both vaccination programs can be found on the government website.

For those not in the eligible groups the vaccines can be secured privately via GP or pharmacist.