COVID-19 vaccine walk-ins extended to young people under 16 during half-term week

During half term week (Saturday 23 to Sunday 31 October) young people aged 12 to 15 can access their COVID-19 vaccine at a mass vaccination centre in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire (except the showground in Carmarthen) without an appointment.

Please note, Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) will be unable to vaccinate anyone under 16 if they turn up at the vaccination centre alone.  A parent or guardian will need to accompany them to consent to them having the Pfizer vaccine.

Opening times: https://hduhb.nhs.wales/healthcare/covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccination-programme/mass-vaccination-centres/

Bethan Lewis, Interim Assistant Director of Public Health for Hywel Dda UHB, said: “The COVID-19 vaccine is being offered to all 12-15 year olds in Wales, to help protect their health and well-being.

“The decision to have your COVID-19 vaccine is a choice for each individual to make. If you have questions about the vaccine, take time to look up trusted and accurate information – the NHS is always a good starting place – and chat about what you think, with your parent or guardian.

“There is a lot of information out there about the COVID-19 vaccine, so please be careful to use only accurate and trusted information to help you answer any questions you may have.”

Here are some trusted places to find out more about why you are being offered the vaccine and any side effects you might experience:

• Public Health Wales

• Public Health England

• British Society for Immunology

If you are unwell with a fever, or if you have had a positive coronavirus test in past 28 days, you should delay your vaccination and contact the health board on 0300 303 8322 to book an appointment at a later date.

Also, please do not attend if you or a member of your household have a new continuous cough, loss of taste or smell, a temperature, are waiting for the result of a COVID‑19 test, or are self‑isolating. If you have those symptoms, stay at home and follow the advice on www.gov.wales/coronavirus

From 1 November onwards, anyone under 16 years of age will need an appointment to receive their COVID-19 vaccination. This can be easily arranged for contacting the health board by emailing COVIDEnquiries.hdd@wales.nhs.uk or by calling 0300 303 8322.

Whether you have the vaccine or not, please keep wearing a face mask in indoor public spaces, staying home and getting tested if you have coronavirus symptoms, and keep washing your hands regularly.