'Spring boosters' offered to vulnerable islanders

Thursday 10 March 2022

Islanders over the age of 75, care home residents and those who are immunosuppressed are being invited to book a top-up covid jab.

‘Spring boosters’ will be available from tomorrow, Friday 11 March.

The Government said it was now offering the boosters due to waning immunity in some individuals and the risk of developing more severe covid. 

For many, it will be their fourth jab, while for some immunocompromised people who have had three primary doses and a booster, it will be their fifth.

The boosters will be administered providing at least three months have passed since the individual’s last vaccination dose. If the last booster was missed, eligible islanders are urged to receive their spring booster as soon as possible.

Over the next few weeks, the vaccination team will be delivering vaccines in care homes. Housebound islanders who previously received a dose of the covid jab at home will not have to book - they will be contacted directly by the vaccination team.

"The latest evidence shows that booster doses provide high levels of protection against severe disease from the Omicron variant,” said Dr Ivan Muscat MBE, the Deputy Medical Officer of Health.

"Older islanders and immunosuppressed islanders are at an increased risk of hospitalisation if they catch covid-19 without having the protection that vaccination provides.

"Booster doses act as a 'top up' to maintain the highest level of protection, as immunity from previous doses begins to decrease more quickly compared to younger individuals or non-immunosuppressed individuals. It is important that immunity levels are kept as high as possible through booster vaccinations."

Head of the Vaccination Programme, Emma Baker, said: "By getting a spring booster now, eligible islanders should be ready for their co-vaccination of flu and potential further covid-19 boosters later in the year.

"The team will be visiting care homes initially and then housebound Islanders over the next few weeks to ensure those vulnerable or older Islanders are able to receive the spring booster more easily.

"I would like to ask families and friends of elderly relatives aged 75 and over to help them book their vaccination appointment at Fort Regent. It is so important that our vulnerable and elderly islanders continue to be well protected against covid-19."

Islanders can click HERE to book a vaccine or call the helpline on 0800 735 5566 if further booking assistance is needed.