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Vaccination Update

From Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery

The marked increase in cases of COVID-19 across North Wales is continuing to place additional pressure on our hospitals.

Last week, it was estimated that one in every 16 people across the UK is infected, as the contagious Omicron variant BA.2 continues to spread.

We want to remind people that it’s not too late to come forward for their first, second or booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Being up to date with COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from becoming seriously ill, if you catch the virus.

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.

Face covering still required in health

Yesterday (Monday 28 March 2022), the Welsh Government eased some of the remaining COVID-19 restrictions. However, it remains a legal requirement for face coverings to be worn in health and social care settings, including our COVID-19 vaccination clinics.

Second booster dose for those identified by the JCVI

Next Monday (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 or telephone. 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.

We are now into our third week of offering a second booster dose to residents in care homes for older adults and those aged 75 and over who are housebound.

Invitation letters will be sent to those who are 12+ who are immunosuppressed in the coming weeks. We thank those eligible for their patience.

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.

Eligibility criteria for second booster jabs has been defined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation, If you are under the age of 75 and are not immunosuppressed, as defined in the Green Book, we will not be able to offer you a second booster dose.

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.

Deeside Vaccination Centre closes after delivering more than 220,000 doses

Staff and volunteers from Deeside Mass Vaccination Centre have thanked the community for their support as the centre closed this week. 

The vaccination centre, which opened in January 2021 at Deeside Leisure Centre, has played a key role in the fight against COVID-19, and has been hailed a great success by delivering over 220,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses. Read more on our website here.