The government has said that there is now a ’short window of opportunity’ for younger adults to get their first vaccines.
All adult age groups are now being invited to register for vaccinations, including those in the 18-20 range. Currently the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation [which the government follows] does not advise vaccination in those aged 16-18 unless they are clinically vulnerable or have an underlying health condition. Health Minister David Ashford confirmed that trials are still ongoing in that age group, and that 'Hopefully that will change shortly'.
Vaccine deliveries to the island via the UK are dependent on supply lines from the manufacturers.
The government stated that while the island is continuing to receive its per capita share of vaccine, delivery has become increasingly uneven in recent weeks.
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It said that rollout of first doses will be ’severely restricted’ for up to two months from May 10 and stressed that it is ’essential’ that all adults who want a vaccination come forward as soon as possible to receive their first dose.
The Island’s vaccination programme will focus entirely on second doses from May 10 booked at the required 12 week clinical interval, in line with deliveries to the island.
Mr Ashford said: ‘Letters to all adults have now been issued, but take-up in the younger age groups is a concern.
’I encourage anyone who hasn’t yet registered to do so without delay. ’As we undertake second doses against a backdrop of more restricted supplies, Pfizer vaccines will not be available for first doses for a number of months.
’So there is now a short window of opportunity to ensure all adults have had one jab before the programme moves to completing second doses.’
‘Our vaccination rollout has saved lives, protected vulnerable people from the serious effects of COVID-19 and helped our community return to a more normal way of life.
’The programme has been delivered at pace and in line with the clinical evidence that increasing age is the single greatest risk factor for the most serious effects of COVID-19.
’Our priority is therefore to use available supplies to vaccinate people as swiftly as possible in order of age.’
More than 52,000 first doses have been given, and more than 68,000 vaccinations have been delivered in total.
More than 93% of the top nine priority groups – adults over the age of 50 - have had a vaccination and the Phase 2 groups – those aged between 18 and 49 is ’well underway’.