Covid boosters announced as Gov "monitoring" new covid variant

Monday 04 September 2023

A new covid-19 autumn booster vaccination programme has been announced, as Jersey Health Officials continue "closely monitoring" a new variant of the virus.

Islanders eligible for the programme will be able to start booking from tomorrow.

Why the new programme?

The announcement comes after the UK Health Security Agency recently confirmed vaccinations would be available in England from 11 September instead of a later date originally scheduled for October, following concern over the new BA.2.86 variant of Covid – which is being closely monitored by scientists around the world.

Professor Peter Bradley, Jersey's Public Health Director, said: "It’s hugely important that those eligible for the autumn booster book their vaccine to ensure they are best protected over winter.

"Vaccination remains the best way to protect yourselves and others against covid-19 and protects against severe disease which is more likely with increasing age.

"We are closely monitoring the new variant, and although there are no concerns as yet, it could contribute to an increased risk of infection."

Who is eligible?

Islanders who will be eligible for the autumn booster include: 

• care home residents and staff;

• all adults aged 65 years and over;

• people aged six months to 64 years-old who are in a clinical risk group;

• health and care workers;

• people aged 12 to 64 years-old who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression; and

• people aged 16 to 64 years-old who are carers.

Those who are aged over 75 will be able to book an appointment from tomorrow (Tuesday 5 September) with appointments available from Tuesday 12 September, while boosters will also be available for those aged 65 and over from 26 September.

All other eligible Islanders, which include those aged 65 to 74, will be able to book from Tuesday 19 September with appointments available from Tuesday 26 September.

Bookings are being opened in priority group order to ensure the most vulnerable can receive their vaccine, with those eligible able to book here.