Thousands of unused vaccines discarded

More Than 20,000 Unused Vaccines Disposed of After Low Uptake, Say Jersey Health Officials

Over 20,000 doses of flu and Covid-19 vaccines were discarded last year after going unused, according to figures released by Jersey’s Health Department.

Health Minister Tom Binet confirmed that 11,500 flu vaccines and 11,300 Covid-19 doses from both the spring and autumn campaigns had to be thrown away.

Despite the wastage, 30,900 eligible islanders received their flu jabs, while 14,540 people took up the Covid-19 vaccination offer in 2024, official data shows.

“Every effort is being made to promote uptake,”

Responding to a question in the States, Deputy Binet explained that vaccine orders were based on the size of the eligible population and past uptake trends. He said that any leftover stock was “appropriately disposed of” through the hospital pharmacy, and that GP practices and pharmacies could offer unused doses to other residents “where clinically appropriate.”

“Every effort is being made to promote uptake,” he added.

Last year, the flu vaccine was available to over-50s, individuals with long-term health conditions, pregnant women, carers, health workers, and children.

Meanwhile, Covid-19 vaccines were initially offered to those over 75, care home residents, and immunosuppressed people in the spring. The criteria were later expanded in the autumn to include over-65s, younger care home residents, and healthcare staff.

For this year’s programme, eligibility has narrowed again, with vaccines available to people over 75, older care home residents, and anyone aged six months or older with a weakened immune system.