Booster vaccinations given reaches almost 70,000 doses

Latest data published by Public Health Wales shows almost 70,000 booster vaccines have been administered across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire by Sunday 7 November.

In the seven days between Monday 1 and Sunday 7 November, a total of 15,125 booster vaccines were given at Hywel Dda’s seven mass vaccination centres, alongside nearly 1,000 first and second doses and 500 third doses to immunosuppressed people.

Whilst more needs to be done, and staff are working at pace, Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) is again asking those eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccine  not to contact the booking team by email or phone to ask about their booster appointment, or attend a mass vaccination centre without an appointment, at this time.

Everyone who is eligible will receive an appointment letter between 24 and 29 weeks following their second vaccine. Please be patient and wait for your letter.

This will keep the phone lines and email available for those who have received their appointment and need to contact us to either rearrange their vaccination or arrange transport support.

Bethan Lewis, Interim Assistant Director of Public Health, for Hywel Dda UHB, said: “While the booster vaccine can be given from six months after their last dose, protection against severe disease from the first two doses seems to decline very slowly. We know people are keen to get their booster as quickly as possible, but there is no need to worry if the booster vaccine is given a few weeks after the six-month period.

“The health board is writing to everyone eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination with an appointment in chronological order, based on the date when their second vaccine dose was given. Following feedback, older members of our population are now being scheduled or rescheduled for day-time appointments. This limits the number of appointments available, but we are working hard to offer an appointment as soon as possible.  

“People can expect to receive a letter between 24 and 29 weeks following their last vaccine dose. If it has been less than 30 weeks since your last vaccine dose, please wait for your appointment letter and to not contact the health board or attend a mass vaccination centre without an appointment.”

The following groups are currently eligible for a COVID-19 booster vaccination at a Hywel Dda UHB mass vaccination centre:

• Aged 50 and over
• Aged 16 and over and at increased risk from coronavirus due to underlying health conditions
• Aged 16 and over and live with someone who is immunosuppressed
• Aged 16 and over and are an unpaid carer, a care home worker or a frontline health or social care workerIf it has been more than 30 weeks since you received a second COVID-19 vaccination, you are eligible and you have not received an appointment for your booster vaccine, please request an appointment in one of the following ways:
• Online form https://forms.office.com/r/BM7VXkurJe
• Email COVIDEnquiries.hdd@wales.nhs.uk
• Call 0300 303 8322

Bethan Lewis added, “Sadly, over the last few weeks we have seen an increase in verbal abuse directed towards our staff and volunteers. This is totally unacceptable, and we plead with everyone who is eligible for a booster to be patient.

“When you have an appointment, to arrive no more than 30 minutes before your appointment time. This will help us to keep people’s appointment times and avoid long queues outside our buildings.

“The safety of staff and patients is paramount, and your cooperation and support on this matter is very much appreciated.”