Pop-up vaccination clinics are being set up across Jersey over the next week to tackle a rising number of cases of flu and COVID-19.

At-risk  and eligible groups are being encouraged to get their jabs to avoid winter viruses and potential time in hospital.

Hospital admissions for flu in England quadrupled in the last week of 2024 compared to the same period a year earlier.

Concern over the spread of flu here this week prompted a return to mask-wearing at Jersey's General Hospital.

Health Protection Nurse, Emma Baker says vaccines are quick and easy and remain the best defence against flu and COVID-19.

"While most people who get flu or COVID will have a mild illness, those in older age groups and with certain health conditions are at a higher risk of developing serious illness and being hospitalised.

"Vaccination not only reduces your chances of the viruses, but it also makes any infection less unpleasant and reduces your infectability, which means you won’t pass on the viruses at the same rate as you may do if you were unvaccinated."

READ: Islanders asked to wear masks in Jersey's hospital to stop flu spread

Islanders, including children, can also see their GP or community pharmacist to get their vaccinations.

Government HQ will act as a vaccination venue on 10, 15, 17 January 2025.

Eligibility:

COVID Autumn Booster and the Flu Vaccine:

• Aged 65+;
• In a clinical risk group including pregnant women;
• Healthcare workers;
• Care home residents.

Flu vaccine only:

• Islanders aged 50-64;
• Islanders living with certain health conditions;
• Children aged 2 to school year 11;
• Household contacts of those who are immunosuppressed.

Clinic Locations:

• Friday 10 January:
  • Government of Jersey Union Street Office, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm;
  • Enid Quenault Centre, 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
• Monday 13 January:
  • St Clement Parish Hall, 9:00 am - 1:00 pm.
• Tuesday 14 January:
  • St Peter Parish Hall, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
• Wednesday 15 January:
  • Government of Jersey Union Street Office, 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm.
• Thursday 16 January:
  • St Brelade Parish Hall, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
• Friday 17 January:     
  • St Ouen Parish Hall, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm;
  • Government of Jersey Union Street Office, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.