Guernsey island-wide flu vaccine order 'saves £40,000'
Ordering Guernsey's flu vaccines through the island's health authority has saved £40,000, it is claimed.
The first consignment of the 2011 vaccine has now arrived in Guernsey and has been distributed to surgeries.
States' Prescribing Advisor, Geraldine O'Riordan, said: "Central ordering and distribution of the vaccines saves the taxpayer about £40,000".
Islanders aged over 65, and those with certain medical conditions, are being urged to arrange to have the jab.
These conditions include chronic lung or heart disease, kidney or liver disease, HIV infection and diabetes.
It is also recommended that all pregnant women and health care workers who are directly involved in patient care, should have the injection.
The vaccine itself is purchased by the Social Security Department and is supplied free of charge to all those who fall into the above high-risk groups.
However primary care practitioners and practice nurses charge a fee for its administration.