Welsh Government unveils updated Covid-19 vaccination strategy

The majority of people in Wales eligible for booster vaccination will be offered it by the end of the year, the Welsh Government has announced.

And by the beginning of November, all 12 to 15-year-olds will have been offered a single dose of a coronavirus vaccine, while care home residents and health and care staff will also be offered a booster.

Health minister Eluned Morgan urged everyone eligible for booster vaccinations and flu jabs to take up the offer when it is made.

In an updated vaccination strategy, Ms Morgan has confirmed that the majority of people eligible will be offered their booster vaccination by December 31.

People who are severely immuno-suppressed will be offered a third dose of vaccine to provide them with as much protection as possible.

They will be prioritised for an urgent appointment at a time that is right for them based on their treatment and the advice of their clinician.

This winter will be incredibly difficult for our health service so it is vitally important for people to take up the offer of their Covid-19 and flu vaccine if eligible to protect themselves and the NHS

Health minister Eluned Morgan

Everyone in the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation one to nine priority groups will be invited for a booster vaccination when it has been at least six months since their last dose.

Ms Morgan said: “This winter will be incredibly difficult for our health service so it is vitally important for people to take up the offer of their Covid-19 and flu vaccine if eligible to protect themselves and the NHS.

“Vaccinations for coronavirus are highly effective and protection against hospitalisation is estimated at around 95% after the second dose.

“The flu vaccine will also protect people from serious complications, and I encourage anyone who is eligible to get their flu vaccine regardless of their eligibility for a Covid-19 booster vaccine.

“We have so far given more than 4.6 million Covid-19 vaccinations and 85% of the over-16 population are fully vaccinated.

“There is no concern over the supply of any of the vaccines and we hope as many people as possible take up the offers to continue to protect those most vulnerable and the NHS.”

The strategy also sets out that a digital booking system is being developed to allow people to book appointments online to try to make it as easy as possible for people to come forward at a time that suits them.

Appointments for first doses of Covid-19 vaccines are still available for anyone unvaccinated.

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