Flu vaccine is next stage in joint struggle

Leadership came with clear, strong, consistent messaging and islanders did the rest by following the rules.

From hand hygiene to social distancing and, ultimately, full lockdown, Public Health’s instructions were trusted and followed.

The result was a powerful demonstration of the importance of a community acting as one as the number of active cases tumbled and the sense of imminent risk receded.

Near elimination and the freedom that has provided to enjoy a near normal on-island life looks even more valuable now as the summer heat fades and the UK struggles to prevent a second wave crashing over the NHS.

There, reports are rife of people failing to self-isolate, ignoring rules on gathering in crowds of more than six and mixing households.

The result is hot spots of infection, each threatening to take the country back to the darkest days of the spring, further lockdowns and, ultimately, more hospital cases.

The Bailiwick of Guernsey can only look on in despair at the poor messaging and breakdown in trust between the UK government and its people.

But before the islands get complacent there is much to do. The advent of autumn means that islanders once again have the opportunity to follow Public Health advice and support the whole community.

The more islanders who get the flu vaccine the less pressure our doctors and nurses will be under this winter.

After a tiring few months and with a backlog of cancer patients and other serious illnesses to clear, the more beds that can be kept empty at the hospital the better.

Good respiratory health across the island will also help in the ongoing battle to test, track and trace Covid-19 infections. The last thing GPs want is surgeries full of coughs and sneezes.

More vaccines have been bought in this year and are being prioritised for those most at risk from influenza.

However, Public Health can only make the vaccine available. It is up to islanders to do the rest.