Vaccination update
22/03/22
From Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery
The recent rise in COVID-19 rates across North Wales serves as a timely reminder that the virus has not gone away.
Please remember that even when legal restrictions are lifted in Wales next week, those attending our COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics and other healthcare settings will still be required to wear a face covering. People should not attend if they have COVID-19 symptoms. Instead, they should come forward for a test and self-isolate.
We also strongly encourage people to continue with strict hand hygiene, and remember that bringing fresh air into rooms can reduce the spread of the virus.
Second booster dose for the most vulnerable
The JCVI has advised that an additional dose of the COVID-19 vaccine should be offered to adults aged 75 years and over, residents in a care home for older adults, and individuals aged 12 years and over who are immunosuppressed, as defined in the Green Book.
The JCVI has not recommended that frontline health and social care staff receive a second booster dose at this stage.
Since March 14th, we have been offering a second booster dose to residents in care homes for older adults and those aged 75 and over who are housebound.
From April 4th, we will begin administering second booster doses to adults aged 75 and over who are able to attend our COVID-19 vaccination centres.
Those eligible will receive an appointment invitation by letter. If you are in a couple aged 75 and over, we will endeavour to invite you to an appointment together. However, if you receive an appointment that is at a different date or time to your partners and you would like to change it, please call our COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840004. Telephone lines are open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Invitation letters will be sent to those who are 12+ who are immunosuppressed in the coming weeks.
There is no need for people eligible for a second booster dose to contact their GP or the Health Board. We will contact you directly when it is your turn.
First, second and booster doses
The door is always open for those who have yet to come forward for their first, second or booster dose. Those eligible are invited to call our COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840004. Telephone lines are open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
First doses for 5-11-year-olds
We are continuing to write to the parents of healthy children aged 5-11, inviting them to book a vaccination appointment for their child.
Appointments can be booked by calling our COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840004. Telephone lines are open 8am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-1pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that children aged 5-11 should be offered the vaccine to increase protection against potential future waves of COVID-19.
We’re encouraging parents and children to make an informed decision about whether to go ahead with vaccination, based on up-to-date information from trusted sources. This week Public Health Wales have published information on their website to support this.
We understand that some young children may be anxious about coming to an unfamiliar setting to receive their vaccine. Our children’s clinics will be significantly quieter than the booster clinics held during the latter part of 2021, and our experienced staff can take the time to support children and put them at ease, before they receive their vaccine.
The COVID-19 vaccine has already been offered to all children aged 5 to 11 who are in a clinical risk group, or who are a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed. Those who have yet to take up this offer are invited to call our COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840 004.