Over-50s to be offered flu jabs this winter to help PEH
ALL islanders over the age of 50 will be offered a flu jab this winter to prevent the Princess Elizabeth Hospital being hit by a combined surge of flu and Covid-19.
Parents of primary school pupils are also being encouraged to let their children have the jab while at school.
Health & Social Care has announced that it is extending its vaccination programme to include new groups, such as the over-50s, in order to maximise uptake and avoid hospital overcrowding.
The ambitious plans mean that a significant percentage of islanders will be eligible for the jab.
The influenza and Covid-19 viruses have very similar symptoms and the authorities want to ensure that the Covid-19 testing programme does not become overrun with flu cases, or that pressure is increased on the hospital.
Who will pay for the flu jab, and how much it will cost, is still up for discussion.
The vaccine itself is already funded by the States, but some people pay an administration charge of about £12.
Primary school pupils have always been eligible for a free jab, but the change this year is that it will be administered at school.
A spokesman for HSC said that having the vaccine protects both the individual and the wider community by limiting the spread.
‘The school nursing team are prepared to offer the extended programme within schools and are working closely with their colleagues within Education Services to ensure a smooth and equitable service is provided.
‘Parents can expect to start to receive communication around their child’s vaccine offer the week they return to school. The service has also developed a system that will ensure any children who are within a vulnerable category will be prioritised for vaccination.’
Another group of people who have been added to the 2020 flu immunisation programme are those on the shielded patient list and members of their household.
The updated flu programme is being drawn up at the same time as HSC considers the huge logistical challenge of a Covid-19 vaccine becoming available.
Because of this, islanders are urged to get their flu jab early this year.
‘As with all vaccines, when a Covid-19 vaccine becomes available there will be recommendations on how close this could be administered after any other vaccination.
‘For this reason Public Health and Primary Care Services are encouraging all individuals who are eligible for a vaccine to book an appointment as soon as they are available.
‘Public Health also recommend that any individuals not currently registered with a general practitioner in Guernsey take this opportunity to register prior to the vaccines being available.’
