Flu vaccines redistributed

Friday 30 October 2020

Flu vaccines held by primary care practices in Guernsey are being redistributed across the island, to cope with the low stock levels.

Uptake for flu jabs has been much higher than usual this year, with HSC encouraging islanders to get the vaccine to ensure the healthcare system isn't overwhelmed during the ongoing pandemic.

However, the campaign has become a "victim of its own success", with stocks now beginning to run low.

While further deliveries of vaccines for those aged 18-64 are expected next week, no more deliveries of vaccines for those aged 65 and over have been planned.

Pictured: Island residents over the age of 65 can have the vaccine for free.

Some local practices have even had to turn patients away.

But, HSC has been working to address the problem by contacting all the practices to ensure none of them are holding more stock than they actually need. 

"Following an audit of influenza vaccines held by primary care practices (in response to some islanders being unable to access vaccines - particularly those over the age of 65), vaccines are in the process of being redistributed to redress the required stock levels across all practices," a spokesperson for the committee said.

"Practices will contact those patients who have been unable to access the vaccine for the over-65s as soon as they receive additional stock."