Coronavirus / Covid 19 Updates
UPDATE 20.05.2021
Updates from the Health Board
COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Update
As of today, a total of 650,919 vaccinations have been administered in North Wales. Over three quarters of adults in North Wales have now received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and we remain on course to offer vaccination to the remaining adult population before the end of July.
This is the largest vaccination programme ever undertaken in the NHS and we simply could not have protected so many people so quickly without the expertise and dedication of our primary care colleagues in GP surgeries, Local Vaccination Centres and community pharmacies.
Last week the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) changed their guidance to state that where possible, an alternative to the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine should be offered to 30-39 year-olds as a precautionary measure, because of the extremely small risk of blood clots occurring in this age group.
As a result, those aged 18-39 will now receive the Pfizer vaccine, and those aged over 40 will receive the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.
This short notice change unavoidably led to a number of appointments being cancelled last week, which have since been rearranged. We do not expect this change in guidance to delay the overall delivery of the vaccination programme in North Wales and we apologise for any inconvenience this caused to those both due to receive and deliver those vaccines last week.
Everyone who has already had a first dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine should be reassured that it is safe to receive a second dose of the same brand, irrespective of age, in line with JCVI advice. Medical exemptions may apply to a very small minority.
It is not possible for individuals to choose which brand of first or second dose vaccine they receive. In line with the latest guidance from the JCVI and MHRA, those aged 18-39 will receive the Pfizer vaccine, and those aged over 40 will receive the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine.
Second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine must be the same brand as the first dose, unless there is a clear clinical need for an alternative.
There is no current clinical evidence of blood clotting occurring following second doses of any COVID-19 vaccine. Therefore, only those with specific clinical risk factors will be offered an alternative second dose vaccine.
We would encourage people to still attend their appointment they have any concerns about the vaccine, so we can take the time to discuss these with them before they make a decision on whether or not to go ahead with vaccination.
In order to avoid wasting any vaccines because people have not turned up for appointments, from time to time we may offer short notice appointments to people in certain age groups on a first come first served basis.
In addition, there may be occasions where we invite people in certain age groups to book an appointment directly with us.
Where these appointments become available, they will be publicised on our social media accounts and shared with the local media, where possible.
You can find information on the North Wales COVID-19 Vaccination Programme, including answers to Frequently Asked Questions and how to let us know if you need a new or first appointment, on the BCUHB website here: Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (website) – COVID-19 Vaccination Information
We appreciate your patience while we continue to deliver the vaccination programme as well as delivering your usual GP services.
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