Covid autumn booster campaign for over-75s begins

Adults aged between 65 and 74 have not been included in this year's autumn campaign

An autumn coronavirus vaccination booster campaign for those over the age of 75 is set to start on the Isle of Man.

Manx Care said the criteria for the jabs, which were offered to those over 65 last year, has been tightened in line with advice from the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Others eligible for the seasonal jabs include residents of elderly care homes, along with younger people who have a weakened immune system.

A spokeswoman the healthcare provider said the focus of the rollout had shifted to those "at highest risk of serious disease".

Monitoring had identified the selected groups as the most vulnerable in the population who were susceptible to "serious outcomes" from the virus, she added.

Frontline health and social care workers at high risk of exposure are also eligible for the booster during the campaign, which runs until 31 January.

'Vital role'

The previous year's autumn programme had included adults aged 65 to 74 and those over the age of six months in clinical risk groups.

Drop-in clinics, at sites across the island including Castletown, Peel, Ramsey and at Noble's Hospital in Braddan, will take place from 25 October until mid-December.

Those eligible would receive letters inviting them to attend an appointment, Manx Care said.

They can also book using an online system or by contacting the vaccination team.

A programme for seasonal flu vaccinations will also run until 31 March 2026.

Everyone over the age of 65, people aged two or over in clinical risk groups, care home residents, carers, frontline health and social care workers, women who are pregnant and bird handlers are all eligible.

Manx Care said where possible both vaccines would be given at the same time "to maximise protection" as they each "play a vital role in reducing the risk of hospitalisation and serious illness" in the colder months.