Health board makes preparations for next phase of the COVID vaccination programme in West Wales

Hywel Dda University Health Board is finalising its preparations to deliver the Autumn booster programme and offer 12–15-year-olds a coronavirus vaccine across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire.

The news comes following the Welsh Government’s acceptance of the JCVI’s advice on the next phase of the COVID vaccination programme.

Bethan Lewis, Interim Assistant Director of Public Health for Hywel Dda UHB, said: “The Hywel Dda vaccination programme team is ready to deliver the Autumn booster campaign and offer a vaccine to 12-15 year olds following yesterday’s announcement.

“Those eligible for a booster vaccination and 12 -15 year olds will be invited to attend a mass vaccination centre by the health board when it is their turn. Residential care homes will be supported by GP practices. We kindly ask people to not contact the health board or their GP practice at this time to ask about the vaccine.

“In Wales we will leave no one behind, and our walk-in clinics remain open at all mass vaccination centres but only for those aged 16 and over who require a first or second dose. Thank you for your patience and understanding.”

Who is eligible for a booster?

The JCVI recommends that individuals who were eligible and received vaccination in Phase 1 of the COVID-19 vaccination programme (priority groups 1-9) should be offered a third dose COVID-19 booster vaccine with a minimum 6-month interval after the 2nd dose.

• Those living in residential care homes for older adults
• All adults aged 50 years or over
• Frontline health and social care workers
• All those aged 16 to 49 years with underlying health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe COVID-19 (as set out in the Green Book), and adult carers
• Adult household contacts of immunosuppressed individuals

As most younger adults will only receive their second COVID-19 vaccine dose in late summer, the benefits of booster vaccination in this group will be considered at a later time, by the JCVI, when more information is available.