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Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services

29 September 2020

This year, when the whole world is fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, we must make every effort to protect our health - and the health of those around us - by being vaccinated against the flu virus. 

The annual flu vaccination programme, which launches today, is a joint initiative supported by myself – as Minister for Health and Social Services – the Minister for Social Security, government departments and GP Surgeries and Pharmacists.

A high uptake of the flu vaccine will help improve the general respiratory health of all islanders. This is particularly important this year, as it will:
  • help guard against the unknown consequences of contracting flu and COVID at the same time
  • reduce the pressure on the health service permitting the better delivery of care for all
  • reduce the risk of transmission of asymptomatic COVID by people coughing and sneezing with flu symptoms, and
  • help safeguard against confusion with COVID symptoms.

This year, the programme has been redesigned as a result of COVID-19 in two important areas. 

First, Islanders will not be charged for the flu vaccination if they fall into a priority group. The normal £10 fee is being set aside for one year only due to the exceptional COVID-19 situation; the fee will be in place again next year. This is to encourage uptake of the vaccination while we respond to the risk of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Second, the priority groups will be expanded to include an additional group, those aged 50-64, even if they have no other medical risk factors. And more on that will come from our Deputy Medical Officer for Health.

So, today, we are urging everyone to be a good influence on their fellow Islanders by getting the flu vaccination. It will help to protect you and your loved ones at this crucial time.
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