More flu vaccines for pensioners are on the way after high demand

Wednesday 01 December 2021

There have been 11,000 doses of seasonal flu vaccine given to people aged 65 and over - which is 500 more than in 2020.

High demand has exhausted initial supplies for those aged 65 and over and the island is waiting for more doses of the vaccine to arrive this week.

Express asked how many people under the age of 65 have received a flu vaccine this year. 

The Committee said: “We cannot provide detailed data at this time for all cohorts as the vaccines are administered across a number of sites - for example, GP surgeries, the vaccination centre or via occupational health."

Pictured: Demand for the flu vaccine from pensioners has been higher than normal this year.

The Committee for Health & Social Care maintains a range of flu vaccines in line with national guidance. And it still has stock of vaccines for two other groups - under-18s and those between 18 and 64.

In particular, the Committee said it had plenty of vaccines left "for those who are 50 – 64 years of age and who are under 65 and in an ‘at risk’ category due to underlying medical conditions.

“We encourage anyone in those age groups to come forward and obtain a free flu vaccine from their GP or at the Vaccination Centre when they have their covid-19 booster.

“However, if they haven’t yet got an appointment for their booster, we would advise against waiting for their flu vaccine as their GP practice will be able to book them an appointment.”

In addition, school nurses have been delivering an extended programme for children this year.