This year it is more important than ever to ensure that islanders take up the offer of the vaccination against seasonal influenza (flu).
The planned flu programme for 2020/21 will enable the Bailiwick to continue to protect those most at risk, whilst the global COVID-19 pandemic continues, and support the continuing drive to effectively manage the winter pressures that can place additional stress across the health and social care system.
In line with the UK, the following cohorts will receive the flu vaccination free of charge:
- healthcare workers
- all children from aged 2 and up to and including school year 7
- those aged 6 months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
- pregnant women
- those aged 65 years and over
- those in long-stay residential care homes
- carers
- close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
- health and social care staff employed by a registered residential care/nursing home, home care provider or a voluntary managed hospice provider
For the above cohorts, the States of Guernsey will fund the cost of the vaccine and the clinical administration costs for nurses delivering the vaccine to ensure high levels of uptake.
The vaccinations will be delivered through the combined efforts of a range of partners and providers including Primary Care, Occupational Health and Guernsey’s Health & Social Care (HSC) nursing staff.
In addition, flu vaccinations will be offered to individuals aged 50 to 64 (once the priority cohorts listed above have been delivered) via Primary Care flu vaccination clinics. In order to encourage high take up levels, – the States of Guernsey will fund the cost of the vaccine and contribute £7 (approximately 50% of the standard fee) towards the cost of clinical administration. Primary Care will announce when these individuals are able to book their vaccination appointment in due course.
Jo Rocha, Health Protection Nurse from HSC Public Health said: “We would really encourage islanders to have the flu vaccine this year so we can ensure our community receives the protection it brings. Having the vaccine protects both individuals and the wider community by limiting the spread of the influenza virus. This is particularly important this year and HSC are working hard with partners to ensure as many eligible islanders as possible receive the vaccination through the identified priority cohorts.
“As well as encouraging islanders to get the flu vaccine, I would like to remind the community that practicing good hand hygiene by catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throwing it away and washing your hands afterwards can really help limit the spread of the flu virus. Remember: catch it, bin it, kill it.”
