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As the island heads towards flu-season, HSC is encouraging people to book in for their vaccines, which are "particularly important" this year in light of covid-19.
The planned flu programme aims to protect those most at risk and mitigate against extra strain on the healthcare system whilst the global pandemic continues.
In line with the UK, the following groups will receive the flu vaccine free of charge:
healthcare workers
all children from age two up to and including school year seven
those aged six months to under 65 years in clinical risk groups
pregnant women
those aged 65 years and over
those in long-stay residential care homes
carers
close contacts of immunocompromised people
HSC staff employed by a registered residents care/nursing home, home care provider or a voluntary managed hospice provider
The States will fund the vaccine for the above groups as well as the clinical administration costs for nurses.
Pictured: The States will fund the vaccine for priority groups.
Once vaccines have been delivered to the priority groups, vaccines will be offered to people aged 50 to 64 via primary care clinics. In order to encourage high take-up levels, the States will fund the cost of the vaccine and contribute £7 towards the cost of clinical administration.
"We would really encourage islanders to have the flu vaccine this year so we can ensure our community receives the protection it brings," said Health Protection Nurse from Public Health, Jo Rocha. "Having the vaccine protects both individuals and the wider community by limiting the spread of the influenza virus. This is particularly important this year and HSC are working hard with partners to ensure as many eligible islanders as possible receive the vaccination through the identified priority cohorts.
"As well as encouraging islanders to get the flu vaccine, I would like to remind the community that practicing good hand hygiene by catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue, throwing it away and washing your hands afterwards can really help limit the spread of the flu virus. Remember: catch it, bin it, kill it."
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