Winter vaccine programme begins

Manx Care offering Covid-19 and flu jabs to those who are eligible

Manx Care is beginning its winter vaccination programme today (Monday 13 October).

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has shifted its autumn Covid-19 vaccination programme to target those at highest risk of serious disease.

It says continuous monitoring has identified that those over 75 and those who are immunosuppressed continue to be the most vulnerable in the population and are most at risk of sustaining serious outcomes from the disease.

As a result, it's changed who is eligible for the vaccine compared to last year, when all adults aged 65 to 74 and all those aged six months and over in a clinical risk group.

From this year, the COVID-19 vaccine will now be offered to:

• People aged 75 and over, including those aged 75 by 31 January 2026
• Residents in care homes for older adults
• Individuals aged 6 months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined in the Green Book, COVID-19 chapter 14a)
• Frontline health and social care workers at high risk of exposure to protect these workers who may also expose vulnerable individuals whilst providing care
  • If you have previously engaged with the Manx Care Vaccination Service, you will receive a letter inviting you to attend a drop-in clinic.
  • If you believe you are eligible but have not received an invitation, please contact the Vaccination Team to register your interest.

Meanwhile, the flu vaccine is also now available for free for those who are eligible.

They include:

• People aged 65 and over, this includes adults who will turn 65 years of age before the end of the programme on 31 March 2026.
• Adults aged 18 to under 65 in a clinical risk group (as defined in the Green Book, Influenza chapter 19)
• Residents in long-stay residential homes
• Carers, including those receiving carer’s allowance or acting as the main carer for an older or disabled person
• Close contacts of immunocompromised individuals
• Aged 2 to 64 years in a clinical risk group (as defined in the Green Book, Influenza chapter 19)
• Pregnant
• Poultry worker and/or bird handler
• Frontline health and social care workers

If you've used the Vaccination Service before, Manx Care will contact you and invite you to attend an appointment.

If you have previously opted out of the COVID-19 vaccination programme or have not received a vaccine through Manx Care before, and would like to explore your options, you can get in touch with the Vaccination Team.

Where possible, both COVID-19 and flu vaccines will be administered at the same time to maximise protection.

Flu vaccines may also be available at local pharmacies or GP practices.

Appointments with the Vaccination Team can be booked via:

• Online booking system
• Phone: (01624) 822111 / 111
• Email: Vaccinations@gov.im

Manx Care says most side effects are mild and short-lived, including arm soreness, tiredness, headache, and mild flu-like symptoms. 

Rare cases of heart inflammation have been reported, mostly in younger men.

Anyone experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or a fluttering heartbeat after vaccination should seek medical advice immediately. 

You can read more about side effects and safety here.