Flu vaccination available for children and pregnant women from this week
- Free flu vaccines will be available starting for eligible pre-school children and pregnant women.
- Additional eligible groups will have access to the vaccine from October.
- The programme follows guidance from the JCVI for the 2025-2026 flu season.
- Schools will administer vaccines to children from Reception to Year 11.
- Parents are encouraged to complete online consent forms by the specified deadlines.
From this week, flu vaccinations will be provided free to eligible pre-school children and pregnant women on the island.
The programme aligns with guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) for the influenza vaccine rollout for the 2025 to 2026 season.
Currently, eligible individuals include:
- All children aged 2, 3, and 4 years, who can receive vaccines in select pre-school settings and at general practitioner (GP) practices.
- Children and young people from Reception to Year 11, who will receive the vaccine at their schools.
- Children aged 6 months to 18 years who are in clinical risk groups.
- Pregnant women, who can get vaccinated through Maternity Services.
The vaccination programme will expand in October to include:
- Individuals aged 65 and over.
- Adults aged 18 to 64 who are in clinical risk groups.
- Residents of long-term care facilities, with GP practices conducting care home visits.
- Carers who provide primary care for elderly individuals or those with disabilities.
- Close contacts of immunocompromised persons.
Flu can lead to serious health complications, and the vaccine is strongly recommended as the most effective means of protection for individuals and their communities.
Children under the age of 5 are particularly vulnerable to flu-related hospital admissions.
Parents and caregivers wishing to have their children vaccinated in school or pre-school settings must submit the online consent form promptly.
The deadline for forms related to vaccinations in pre-schools is 19 September 2025. For those who prefer to have their children vaccinated through their GP, appointments are available.
More information, including a video featuring local GPs discussing the nasal flu vaccine, can be found at: gov.gg/childvaccines.
Alex Hawkins-Drew, Associate Director of Public Health, stated: "Getting a flu vaccination isn’t just about protecting yourself - it helps protect our community.
"Having the vaccination dramatically lowers the risk of serious illness, especially for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions who are at greater risk of complications."
He further noted,“As well as getting the vaccine, practicing good hand hygiene can help limit the spread of the flu virus by catching coughs and sneezes in a tissue throwing it away and washing your hands after - catch it, bin it, kill it.”
Queries regarding the Primary or Secondary schools' vaccination programme can be directed to Lukis House via childvaccine@gov.gg or by calling 01481 222011.
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