Quarter of flu vaccines wasted in Jersey last year as experts urge protection against severe strain

This year, the age bracket for a free flu jab has been increased in Jersey to those aged 65 and over. Credit: ITV Channel

Around a quarter of flu vaccines were thrown away in Jersey last year due to low uptake, as the island's chief medic urges more people to protect themselves against the illness.

Almost 31,000 doses were administered during the 2024 vaccination programme, but that number is less than half of the people eligible for a free shot, which led to more than 11,000 being wasted.

It comes as Jersey's Director of Public Health says this year's flu vaccine could be especially important to help islanders fight against a new mutation of the virus which has emerged in the UK.

Professor Peter Bradley explains: "It looks like this is a virus that may cause a more serious disease.

"Flu viruses change a little bit every year, but sometimes they change a lot, and this is one year we are seeing the flu virus change.

"People are estimating it's going to be the worst flu season we have seen for 10 years or so."

Those eligible for the free flu shot this year include those aged between two and four, and 65 and over, plus pregnant women and frontline Health and Care workers.

Professor Peter Bradley warns islanders may face a more severe strain of the flu virus this winter. Credit: ITV Channel

The UK provides Jersey's vaccines, so the unused doses do not cost the island's taxpayers.

However, the significant leftover stock is still causing concern for some, with Deputy Jonathan Renouf calling it "exceptionally wasteful".

He believes the Government should review the eligibility criteria so that more people can take advantage.

This year, the age bracket for the flu vaccine has risen from 50 to 65 and over.

Deputy Jonathan Renouf calls for the Government to review its vaccine eligibility criteria. Credit: ITV Channel

Professor Bradley adds that it can be challenging to estimate the number of flu vaccines required ahead of the flu season.

He explains: "It's a very unpredictable thing to do, because every flu season is different, and it arrives at a different time on the island.

"Our primary purpose is to ensure that we have enough vaccines for those who are clinically at risk."

Health and Care Jersey states that encouraging more eligible islanders to sign up for the flu vaccine is a key priority.

A spokesperson says: "Every effort is being made to promote uptake as a collaboration between all providers and underpinned by a focused communications plan.

"Complementary vaccine clinics will be offered if uptake does not meet expectations."

Responding to a written question, Health Minister, Deputy Tom Binet, said that the number of vaccine doses ordered is based on the eligible population and vaccine uptake from previous years.

He added that the leftover stock is issued to GP practices and pharmacies as it can "be used for other individuals" or it will be "appropriately disposed of".

Professor Bradley adds: "Last year was an unusual year, the flu season came quite late. We saw the uptake of vaccines drop; we tried to have catch-up clinics and provide good information, but it did result in some vaccines being wasted."

The figures, which were obtained through a States' question, also reveal that 45% of vaccines in Jersey's 2024 spring and autumn Covid vaccine campaigns were unused, with an uptake rate of just 30% for the jab.

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