Health Chiefs are urging the under-5s to take up the swine flu jab - but charging parents for the vaccine.

The vaccine is going to be available to the youngsters from next week. But will cost more than £20 to take up the offer.

The States Influenza Pandemic Expert Advisory Group decided to recommend the extension of the island’s vaccination programme for children aged from six months up to five years.

The vaccine will be offered through GP surgeries.

The swine flu vaccine is offered in two half doses, three weeks apart, for this age group, and there will be charges for administering the vaccine of £10.65 each time.

The under-5s have been selected for vaccination as scientific evidence has highlighted a small, but higher risk of hospitalisation than for other age groups among those children who contract the virus.

Director of Public Health Dr Stephen Bridgman said: "Our vaccination programme is progressing well and we have sufficient vaccine stocks. The GPs are reporting that they are very busy dealing with flu-like illness and the ongoing vaccinations and so we have decided to invite people to come forward.

"Please wait for your invitation from your doctor rather than contacting them directly, although we are confident that will be fairly soon."

Dr Bridgman said that the vaccination of people considered to be high risk was coming to a conclusion.

People who believed that they should be classified as higher risk, but had not received an invitation – particularly those who normally receive the winter flu jab, could now approach GP surgeries to receive the vaccine if they wished.

The recent rise in cases of flu-like illness has had a knock-on impact at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital.

A number of patients have failed to show for outpatient appointments, and the hospital is asking people who are missing appointments due to illness to telephone to cancel.

Currently displaying the top 2 comments

View all 2 comments

Currently displaying the top 2 comments

View all 2 comments