MORE than 40% of all eligible Islanders have received their spring booster since it became available two weeks ago.
The jabs are being offered to three vulnerable groups – people aged at least 75, immunosuppressed Islanders aged 12 and over and care-home residents – in line with advice from the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
During the past two weeks, the government’s vaccination team has been visiting care homes to administer spring boosters to residents.
Vaccinations at the final care home will be completed next week and revisits will be made for any individuals who could not be seen during the first sessions.
Islanders aged 75 and over who are not resident in a care home and have not yet received their spring booster are being urged to book their appointment on gov.je/vaccine or by calling the coronavirus helpline on 0800 735 5566, as long as three months or more have passed since their last vaccination.
Immunosuppressed Islanders aged 12 and over do not need to make an appointment, as they have been contacted directly.
Emma Baker, head of the vaccination programme, said: ‘It is encouraging to see that we have had a good uptake for spring boosters so far and it is so important that this uptake does not slow down.
‘This booster is extremely important for those Islanders it is currently being offered to, as their immunity will have waned since their last vaccination, and therefore they are now the most at risk in our Island.’
She added: ‘The vaccination team has been working hard prioritising vaccination for our most vulnerable Islanders and going out to care homes to ensure those older residents receive their spring booster.
‘Due to some residents recently having had Covid-19, we will be revisiting some care homes to ensure everyone eligible has the opportunity to get vaccinated.
‘I ask families and friends of elderly Islanders aged 75 and over to help them book their vaccination appointment at Fort Regent and ensure they get the protection they need against Covid-19.’
