More islanders than ever will be offered a free flu vaccine this year to protect those most at risk whilst the Covid-19 pandemic continues.

The 2020/21 programme is also designed with the aim of easing any additional pressure on the island's health system.

The groups being given free vaccines in Guernsey is the same as the UK. They are:

• Healthcare workers,
• All children older than 2 up to and including Year 7 children.
• Those aged 6 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 people at high-risk.
• Health staff employed by a registered residential care/nursing home, home care provider or a voluntary hospice provider.

Vaccines will also be offered at a reduced price of £7 to people aged 50-64, when the above groups have been immunised. Primary Care will announce when they get their appointments at a later date.

"We would really encourage islanders to have the flu vaccine this year so we can ensure our community receives the protection it brings. 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.’" - Jo Rocha, Health Protection Nurse.