ALMOST 30,000 flu vaccinations were administered during the winter season – an increase in uptake from the previous year.
Figures released by the Public Health Department showed that 67% of those aged over 65 and 70% of care home residents received the jab.
However, despite the slight increase in uptake, the target percentage of coverage among over-65s still sits below the World Health Organisation recommendation of 75%.
The government co-ordinates a seasonal flu vaccination programme each year, with eligible Islanders, including those in clinical risk groups, able to book appointments through their GP surgery and pharmacy.
Three-quarters of over-80s received the jab. However, for those eligible aged between 17 and 49, the uptake was just 8%.
Meanwhile, the figures also revealed that almost 6,000 Covid-19 booster vaccinations were delivered last autumn.
A total of 51% of those eligible aged 75 years and over and 64% of care home residents received an autumn booster dose.
The report said: “The eligibility criteria for the Autumn 2025 Covid-19 Booster in Jersey has been refined compared with 2024. The 2025 programme is now targeted towards protecting those at highest risk of serious outcomes from Covid-19, with vaccination offered free of charge from GP practices.”
Jersey’s vaccination system is aligned with the UK, and advice is followed from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
In response to the increase, Health Minister Tom Binet said: “I asked the team to step things up and look at how they could try to deliver those vaccines and get the message out to encourage people to get vaccinated.’
Deputy Binet added that the vaccination programme would be continuing over the next couple of months as “we’re not out of the woods of people getting ill yet”.
“We’re also working on a more comprehensive strategy for the coming winter and we’re setting some high targets,” he said. “The levels aren’t yet as good as they need to be.
“I think with the children’s vaccinations, we are doing very well compared to some other places, but on the adults, we are not.
“We are coming up with a methodology to make it easier for people to get vaccinated. I think some of the downturn has been because of the social media anti-vax effect.”
‘Rock up’ clinics are continuing throughout January, in different parish halls across the Island, details of which can be found on the gov.je website or the Public Health Jersey Facebook page.
