13 December 2021
Today marks one year since the first COVID-19 vaccines were administered in Jersey on Sunday 13 December 2020.
In one year, the vaccination team have administered over 194,000 COVID-19 doses, including 80,449 first doses, 75,960 second doses, and 37,865 third/booster doses (as at Wednesday 8 December).
Since the programme expanded to offer COVID-19 vaccination to 12 to 15 year olds last month, over a third of this population have already received their first dose.
Throughout the year the programme has been led by Becky Sherrington, who will be moving on from this role at the end of this month; and Emma Baker will be taking on the role as Head of Vaccination Programme.
Head of the Vaccination Programme, Becky Sherrington, said: "It has been an absolutely wonderful year with so much support from the Island who have really come together as a community to get vaccinated when it has been offered to them.
"The programme has come a very long way since we administered the first COVID-19 vaccine in December last year. I would like to thank the team, volunteers and everyone who has been involved for the hard work, commitment and dedication they continue to put into the programme which ensures it is always running the best that it possibly can.
"One year later, we are now offering booster appointments to all Islanders aged 30 and over, and administering first and second doses to all Islanders aged 12 and over which is a huge achievement. I would like to encourage all eligible Islanders to come forward for their vaccine - whether that is their first, second or booster.
"Once again, I would just like to thank those Islanders who have supported the programme and got vaccinated against COVID-19. The past year is testament to what a wonderful community we have in Jersey."
Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf, said: "Today marks one year since we first started administering COVID-19 vaccines in Jersey, starting with elderly residents in nursing and residential homes.
"One year on and 94% of the elderly aged over 80 have now had their booster doses; with many more Islanders including all those down to the age of 30 currently being administered boosters, and plans to soon offer boosters to those aged 18 and over.
"Today is a good opportunity to look back and see how far we have come as an Island in our battle against the pandemic. Vaccination is a key defense against the virus and I would like to thank those Islanders who have already got vaccinated against COVID-19, or have an appointment booked – you are helping to save lives. I urge the Island to keep up the good effort and ensure all eligible Islanders get all the recommended doses offered to them as part of their vaccination schedule including the booster dose when this is offered to you - each dose is vital in our battle against COVD-19."
Care home resident, Beryl Taylor who was one of the first to get vaccinated against COVID-19 last year, said: "The only thing I can think of that gives us the best protection against COVID-19 is this vaccine. I hate injections but the reason I have them is because I know it keeps people safe. I am extremely glad to have had my first vaccine one year ago and now my booster vaccine, and would like to encourage everyone to protect one another."
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