Island residents are being encouraged to have a seasonal flu jab and a Covid-19 booster vaccination this winter.

Flu vaccinations are to be rolled out from this month to eligible adults and children via community pharmacies, GP surgeries, schools and the Chester Street vaccination hub.

Many of those eligible for a Covid-19 booster will be offered both vaccinations at the same appointment.

In a statement, the government said: ’The risk posed by seasonal influenza is higher this year because fewer people built up a natural immunity to the flu virus during the pandemic last winter.

’The timing of an expected wave of flu cases during the 2021/22 winter season is uncertain, but mathematical modelling suggests the coming flu season in the UK could be up to 50% larger than usual.’

The flu vaccination programme will therefore be extended this year, to include secondary school children in years 7 to 11 in addition to primary school children, and to all adults from the age of 50.

Other groups eligible for a flu vaccination are:

Those with pre-existing medical conditions (such as heart or respiratory diseases), pregnant women, residents of nursing and care homes, main carers of an older or disabled person, those who are immunosuppressed, close contacts of immunocompromised individuals and frontline health and social care workers.

The island’s head of health protection, Jacqui Dunn, said: ’The flu vaccine is safe, effective and protects millions of people each year from what can be a devastating illness.

’Last winter, flu activity was really low, but this is no reason for complacency as it means fewer people have built up a defence against the virus.

’Covid-19 will also still be with us and this makes the coming flu season highly unpredictable.’

She added: ’By lowering the number of serious flu infections in our community, we can also reduce the risk of developing other serious respiratory illnesses.

’Flu is highly infectious and although healthy people usually recover within seven days, for some the disease can lead to a stay in hospital, disability or even death.’

People aged between 50 and 69 and those in the vulnerable groups are encouraged to consider receiving their flu jab at a participating community pharmacy.

GP practices offering flu jabs will write to their patients aged 70 and over and those with serious underlying conditions, inviting them to book a jab at the surgery, and they may be able to have their Covid-19 booster at the same time.

In addition, GPs will be visiting care and residential homes for older adults to give flu vaccinations in the coming weeks.

The Covid booster programme began this past weekend for frontline health and care workers.