Vaccination against flu is now available for children and expectant mothers on the island
The Guernsey government has announced the availability of the flu vaccine for various age groups and categories of individuals. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible and where to get the vaccine.
For those seeking information related to the Primary or Secondary schools' programme, Lukis House can be contacted at [email protected] or 01481 222011. The school vaccination programme is ongoing, but parents/carers can also contact their GP surgery to book an appointment for the free vaccine.
From October, people aged 65 and over will be eligible for the free flu vaccine. Additionally, adults aged 18-64 in a clinical risk group will also be eligible during the same period. Pregnant women can get their flu vaccine from Maternity Services, and carers who are the main carer of an elderly person or a person with disabilities can receive the vaccine free of charge.
Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals can also get the flu vaccine for free. Care home visits for flu vaccination will be provided by GP practices for those in long-term care facilities from October.
Children aged 2, 3, and 4 years old can get the flu vaccine free of charge from next week, in some pre-school settings and all GP practices. Children and young people from Reception to Year 11 will be offered the flu vaccine in their school. Children aged 6 months to 18 years in a clinical risk group are also eligible for the free flu vaccine.
Alex Hawkins-Drew, Associate Director of Public Health, emphasized the importance of getting the flu vaccine in protecting the community, especially older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions. The flu vaccine helps lower the risk of serious illness and reduces pressure on hospital services.
Good hand hygiene practices, such as catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue and washing hands, can help limit the spread of the flu virus. Practicing 'catch it, bin it, kill it' can also help prevent the spread of the flu virus.
A video featuring GPs explaining more about the nasal flu vaccine can be found at gov.gg/childvaccines. For more information, visit gov.gg or contact Lukis House.
From October 2025, free flu vaccination will be offered primarily to people aged 60 and older, pregnant women from the second trimester, individuals with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems, healthcare workers, residents and staff of nursing homes, and persons who could infect high-risk individuals in the same household or under their care, according to STIKO recommendations and regional practices such as in Baden-Württemberg.
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