Fewer older islanders had shingles vaccine in 2024

The report revealed less than 30% of 70-years-old had their shingles vaccination last year

A report has found the number of older islanders who had the shingles vaccine last year was well below the recommended level.

The Public Health Jersey Immunisation Report 2024 revealed fewer than 30% of 70-year-olds had the vaccination.

The health department said one in four of people would catch the disease, which causes a blistery rash and headaches.

The report, published on Thursday, said: "Coverage in the 70-year-old cohort was 28.9%, below the Department of Health and Social Care's 60% standard."

It said the shingles vaccination eligibility criteria in 2024 was expanded to include individuals turning 60 or 70 during the year, adults aged 70 to 79 who had not yet been vaccinated, adults aged 50 and over with weakened immune systems and as part of its catch-up programme, islanders born between 1955 and 1963.

"Among adults aged 72–79, uptake in 2024 was 2 to 6% across year bands, reflecting limited engagement with the catch-up offer. "

Compared to the UK, Jersey had a higher uptake on three out of four infant vaccines in 2024, the report said.

It said most vaccinations up to the age of five reached their 95% goal, and coverage remained "reliable and stable" across the the programme.

It added 73% of pregnant women in Jersey had the Pertussis vaccination, which helps prevent whooping cough, an infection of the lungs and airways, last year.