Concern as flu jab uptake falls in most at-risk group

FLU vaccine uptake for over-65s in Jersey has fallen well below international safety targets and is lower than the UK, triggering an urgent meeting among health officials this week, it has emerged.

Recently published analysis by Public Health showed that uptake among Islanders aged 65 and over – the group is deemed most at-risk from serious complications or death – was just 65% last year.

This was lower than in previous years and well below the World Health Organisation’s recommended coverage rate of 75%.

In comparison, Scotland saw a vaccine uptake of 90% in the same age group, England and Northern Ireland both saw an update of 78%, and uptake in Wales was 73%.

Speaking to the JEP ahead of a meeting with Public Health yesterday afternoon, Health Minister Tom Binet said that “any reduction in vaccination levels is a concern”, adding that he was concerned as to whether anti-vaccination sentiment shared on social media may be playing a role.

Public Health director Professor Peter Bradley said: “With reduced vaccination levels and high levels of flu circulation across the UK, Europe and in Jersey, we saw more Islanders visited their GPs with flu-like symptoms during the season.

“Flu vaccination is offered to protect those most at risk of serious illness. Getting vaccinated each year is the most effective way to build protection against the latest strains.

“It also helps reduce the risk of catching or passing on the virus, offering protection not just to an individual but also to their loved ones — and eases pressure on our hospital and other health services.”

A report present at the most recent meeting of the Health Advisory Board revealed that around 5,000 additional Emergency Department attendances were recorded in winter 2024-25 compared to the previous winter.

Flu-like illness activity at the peak of the season was greater than the average across pre-pandemic seasons levels, with the majority coming from patients aged 65 and over, according to the report.

That year, there were around 25 deaths due to flu and pneumonia.

The report, which said that increasing vaccination uptake would be vital in improving “winter readiness”, also recommended developing preventative public health campaigns targeting older adults.

Yesterday, NHS England reported that it had successfully vaccinated nearly a million more people against flu so far this autumn compared to last year in a bid to prevent services becoming stretched over the winter.

The JEP approached the Minister and Public Health for an update on their plans following yesterday’s meeting but had not received a response at the time of going to print.

People living in Jersey aged 65 and over, pregnant women, children aged 2 to 16, and those with certain health conditions are all eligible for a free flu vaccine this winter.

Vaccines are available now through GPs or pharmacies.