Booster jab programme begins for frontline health and social care workers in Wales
The booster vaccination programme has begun in Wales, the Welsh Government has announced.
Frontline NHS staff working in North Wales were the first people to receive their Covid-19 booster vaccines.
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board began to offer its staff the booster vaccine just days after the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) issued its final advice about the autumn booster programme.
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board will begin its booster vaccination programme on Saturday, starting with care home residents.
Swansea Bay, Hywel Da, Aneurin Bevan, Cardiff and Vale and Powys health boards have all confirmed they will begin offering the booster vaccine to care home residents and healthcare staff from September 20.
Wales will offer all over 50s, frontline health and social care workers and people with underlying health conditions a booster.
Booster vaccination for other adults will be considered by the JCVI at a later date.
Letters inviting 12 to 15-year-olds to have a single dose of the Pfizer vaccine will begin to be issued next week and the first vaccines are expected to be administered from October 4.
All vaccines will be delivered either in care homes, in mass vaccination centres, hospitals or GP surgeries.
Eluned Morgan, minister for health and social services, said: “I would urge all those who are eligible for a booster take up the offer when they are called for an appointment, as there is the possibility of reduced immunity from their earlier doses of the vaccine as time passes.
“If you haven’t had the first dose of the vaccine yet, it’s not too late.
“I encourage anyone who has not yet taken up their offer to do so.”
Dr Gill Richardson, deputy chief medical officer for vaccines, added: “We have already seen the benefits that come from having as many people as possible vaccinated and have been preparing for this throughout the summer.
“Vaccines remain our strongest defence from the virus and to maintain the levels of immunity that people have achieved.”
Copyright (c) PA Media Ltd. 2021, All Rights Reserved.Picture (c) Andrew Milligan / PA.
