Pupils in Year Seven to Year 11 were offered the flu vaccine for the first time this year with 2,565 – 51 per cent – receiving the immunisation.
The Health Department launched its flu vaccination programme, which could have protected up to 42,700 Islanders, in September.
It built on measures introduced last year – which included offering the flu jab in pharmacies and rolling out the vaccine to all primary school children – that helped cut the number of reported flu cases by half.
This year, Islanders aged 65 and over are being offered a ‘turbo charged’ vaccine, while pregnant women and those with long-term health conditions such as diabetes are receiving a ‘gold standard’ jab that protects against four strains of virus.
According to latest figures, a total of 61 per cent of primary pupils received the nasal spray this year compared to 59 per cent last year.
The overall uptake figure of the nasal spray for two-, three- and four-year-olds is not currently known as parents can still immunise their children at their GP’s surgery free of charge. However, 862 children within this age group were vaccinated at their nursery this year. Last winter that figure was 904.
Meanwhile, as of 23 November, 4,323 people have been given the flu jab at their pharmacy. In comparison, the total number of Islanders vaccinated by pharmacists during last winter was 3,497.
Dr Linda Diggle, head of Preventive Programmes, said that the nasal flu vaccine would be offered to children from age two up to and including Year 11 pupils once again next year.
‘Our key objective in the children’s flu vaccination programme is to protect as many children as possible from getting flu as this will not only protect them, but will also help reduce the transmission of flu amongst our population.
‘This is because children tend to be the super-spreaders of flu. So preventing them from getting flu means they cannot spread flu to their younger siblings and grandparents – who may be at increased risk of complications if they were to get the infection.
‘It’s been a real team effort and a busy time for those giving the vaccinations – we’re pleased overall that we have been able to protect so many children and adults in such a short time.’
Dr Diggle also urged people with a long-term health condition, pregnant women and anyone aged 65 and over, who have not yet been immunised to get themselves vaccinated at their GP surgery or local pharmacy as soon as possible.
