A flu vaccine service is now available at our pharmacies, FREE for islanders in the high-risk patient category.

It’s the time of year when you need to protect yourself against flu and other serious illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia that flu can lead to. Protect yourself and help protect those that are vulnerable by visiting your Pharmacy Locale to receive the seasonal flu vaccine.

We are actively encouraging those who are considered high-risk patients to get a flu jab. These applies to islanders who are:

Aged between 50 - 64 years old

Or, 

Considered to be in the high-risk patient category (see below for further details)

Based on the criteria set by the Government of Jersey, high-risk categories are as follows:

1. Over 65 years of age
2. Pregnant women
3. Clinical conditions: Lung disease. Heart disease. Diabetes. Kidney, liver, spleen or neurological disease. Immunosuppression. Morbidly obese.
4. Home carers
5. Household member of high risk shielded patient

The vaccination is FREE for all high-risk patients who fall within these categories. No appointment necessary.

About the winter flu vaccine

It is designed to help protect against the strains of flu expected to be circulating this coming winter. That’s why it’s important to have the flu vaccine before the start of each and every winter.

Flu vaccine is the best protection we have against an unpredictable virus. It’s safe, very effective and used worldwide to protect millions of people.

How the vaccine works

The injected flu vaccine contains inactivated, or killed, strains of the flu virus and therefore cannot cause flu. The vaccine helps you to build up immunity to flu, in the same way as a natural infection (but without the symptoms).

After vaccination, it takes about 14 days to be protected against flu. Studies have shown that the flu vaccine will help prevent you getting the flu. It won't stop all flu viruses, but if you do get flu after vaccination it's likely to be milder and shorter than it would otherwise have been. 

Having the Flu vaccine

Having the vaccine is quick and easy. In the privacy of a consultation room, you’ll be asked a few questions to check the flu vaccine is suitable for you. Then a trained Pharmacist will administer the vaccine. We’ll inform your GP that you have been vaccinated so they can update your medical record.

The best time to have the flu vaccine is in the autumn, from the beginning of October to early November. You can have it later in the winter but it is best to get it before the start of the flu season.

Where to get it and how much does it cost?

You can have the vaccine at your Pharmacy Locale for FREE if you fall within one of the following high risk categories:

1. Over 50 years of age
2. Pregnant women
3. Clinical conditions: Lung disease. Heart disease. Diabetes. Kidney, liver, spleen or neurological disease. Immunosuppression. Morbidly obese.
4. Home carers
5. Household member of high risk shielded patient

If you don’t fall into one of these groups, you can still have the vaccine at a charge of £20.

Please bring your social security card along with you for your medical records. 

Side effects of the vaccine

As with all medicines, side effects to the flu vaccine are possible but usually mild.

Some people may get a sore arm at the site of the injection, a low-grade fever and aching muscles for a day or two after the vaccination. Serious side effects are uncommon.

Do I need to book an appointment?

No need for an appointment just pop in, available at your Pharmacy Locale, Grand Marché St Helier and St Peter, New Era and Bath Street. Please remember to bring your social security card with you.

Further information 

For more information, you can:

1. Speak to a member of our Pharmacy team or your GP
2. Visit: gov.je/flu
3. Visit NHS Choices website: nhs.uk/Conditions/flu/

*Flu vaccine will be free to islanders in the high-risk category. Islanders not classed as high-risk can have the flu vaccine at a charge of £20.

Terms & Conditions

1. The flu vaccination will be administered by a trained pharmacist.
2. You must be of 16 years or over to be eligible for the service.
3. You must confirm that you have not already received a flu vaccination for this flu season.
4. The information which you complete on the adult vaccination service record and consent form is correct.
5. You consent to the disclosure of information of the Jersey influenza adult vaccination service record and consent form to:
   1. My GP practice to enable them to provide care to me; and
   2. Social Security to enable them to make payment to the pharmacy and evaluate this service
   3. Social Security and Health and Social Services to make sure the service is being provided properly.
      
      
6. Full terms and conditions relating to the Government of Jersey adult flu vaccination service can be found: https://www.gov.je/Health/ImmunisationsAndVaccines/Flu/Pages/Symptoms.aspx
   https://www.gov.je/Health/ImmunisationsAndVaccines/Pages/HowVaccinesWork.aspx