Thousands of unused vaccines had to be binned

Binet said the number of vaccine doses the government bought was based on the eligible population

More than 20,000 flu and Covid-19 vaccines had to be thrown away last year after they went unclaimed by islanders, health officials have said.

Health Minister Tom Binet said 11,500 flu vaccines were wasted and 11,300 spring and autumn Covid-19 jabs had to be binned.

Flu jabs were given to 30,900 eligible residents and 14,540 people got their Covid-19 vaccinations in 2024, according to official figures.

In an answer to a question in the States, Binet said the number of vaccine doses the government bought was based on the eligible population and take-up in previous years.

He said unused stock in the hospital pharmacy was "appropriately disposed of" and vaccines issued to GP practices and pharmacies could be offered to other islanders "where this is deemed clinically appropriate".

"Every effort is being made to promote uptake," he told the States.

Last year flu vaccines were offered to over-50s, people with health conditions, pregnant women, carers and health workers and children.

Covid-19 vaccines were offered to the over-75s, care home residents and immuno- suppressed people last spring.

The criteria was changed for the autumn vaccine programme to include the over-65s, younger care home residents and health workers.

This year it is being offered to the over-75s, older care home residents and those over six months with a suppressed immune system.