Health board's latest vaccination update issued

The Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, which covers Llangollen, has put out its latest update about the vaccination situation.

Aimed mainly at younger people it says: "This update is to help explain the changes that have been made to the BCU COVID-19 vaccination delivery plan as a result of new national guidance and the impact this has had on the availability of vaccines in North Wales. 

AstraZeneca vaccine advice

·        We are following the latest guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) advising that the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine should now not be routinely used in those under 30 years of age.

·        This means that two groups of Cohort 10 will run concurrently - those adults aged between 30 and 50 who will now generally receive the AstraZeneca, and those adults aged under 30 who will receive the Pfizer vaccine.

·        Those aged under 30 years that have already had a first of AstraZeneca will have the second dose of the vaccine to complete their course.We want to use vaccine supplies as quickly as it is received, so that they provide benefit, and this will inevitably mean inviting some under 30s before having completed the 30 to 50 year old age group.

·       The only way to avoid this would be to hold back supplies of the Pfizer vaccine, which would be an unjustifiable risk.

·         More information can be found on the BCU website here

Who we are currently vaccinating and how they will be contacted

This week we are continuing to provide vaccination to the following groups, with invitations made by letter, text message and phone call:

·         People in Priority Groups 1-9 who were unable to receive their vaccination when it was first offered. This includes people aged 50+; people aged 16-64 with certain underlying health conditions; unpaid carers; and those living with people who are immunosuppressed

·         People aged 18-49 years (Priority Group 10)

Asking employers to support their staff

We are appealing to employers across the region to be sympathetic to requests for their staff to take time off to attend their vaccination appointments. Vaccination provides the best protection from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19 and is our best route out of the pandemic. It will also help to reduce staff sickness.