Why are under-65s having flu jab first?
I HAVE had the flu jab every year for around thirty years now, and it has always been at the surgery in September, with over-65s on the priority list.
This year I believe the under-65 age group takes priority, and I have had to make my own arrangements for my husband and I to have it done at Boots the chemist in Town in November. Why?
ANGELA GALITZINE
La Churruee de Haut
Route Charrue
Vale
GY6 8AB
Editor’s footnote. A spokeswoman for Public Health responds:
All individuals at risk, those over the age of 65 and schoolchildren will be receiving a seasonal influenza vaccine offer. Different priority groups are offered different vaccines, to provide the greatest vaccine efficacy for that age group.
At present we have received our orders of seasonal influenza vaccines for 18-65 year olds and under-18s, however we are awaiting our delivery of vaccine for those over the age of 65.
The vaccines are ordered directly from the manufacturers and delivered to the island. This is the same process we have used for many years. As soon as the vaccine for those over the age of 65 is available it will be distributed to primary care practices. The primary care teams are ready to administer the vaccine as soon as it is available.
From the information provided by your reader we suspect that they may have made an appointment for a private vaccine in Boots (the pharmacy rather than the primary care practice located within Boots). Boots acquire their supply privately, so we are unable to comment on this.
