Protect yourself with a COVID-19 vaccine as drop-in sessions start across Hywel Dda UHB

Hywel Dda University Health Board (UHB) has opened its vaccination centres across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire for eligible people to drop-in to receive their COVID-19 vaccine, no appointment needed.

With added winter pressures on the NHS, it is more important than ever that those who are eligible to get vaccinated to help prevent them becoming seriously unwell and protect the NHS this winter.

Older people and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer or chronic respiratory disease are more likely to develop serious illness and require hospital treatment if they catch COVID-19.

Eligible people aged 12 and above can drop-in between now and Christmas, however, the health board is asking anyone with an appointment already booked with their GP or community pharmacy to keep this wherever possible.

If you also require a flu vaccine, the health board will also offer this to you when you drop-in if you don’t have an upcoming appointment to receive this from your GP, community pharmacy or school nursing team.

Dr Ardiana Gjini, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda UHB, said: “Since September, the Health Hoard, GPs and community pharmacies have invited eligible Hywel Dda UHB residents to receive their vaccines. If you haven’t had a chance to get your vaccine yet, now is the time to act.

“With colder weather and gatherings at Christmas with our older and clinically vulnerable nearest and dearest, being vaccinated or supporting your loved ones to get the vaccine is the best present you can give.

“Vaccines teach your immune system how to protect you from diseases. It’s much safer for your immune system to learn this through vaccination than by catching the diseases and attempting to treat them.

“If you have any questions about the vaccine or your eligibility, please do not hesitate to contact the health board on 0300 303 8322 or by emailing ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk and we’ll be happy to advise you.”

You are eligible for a COVID-19 autumn booster vaccination if you are:

• aged six months to 64 years in clinical risk groups
• someone with a learning disability
• aged 65 years and older
• pregnant
• living in a care home for older adults
• aged 12-64 who lives with someone who has a weakened immune system
• a carer aged 16 and over
• A frontline health worker or social care worker
• working in care homes for older adults

Please note the following drop-in sessions are for people aged 12 and over. If you or a family member is under 12 and is eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine, please contact your GP practice or alternatively contact the health board on 0300 303 8322 or email ask.hdd@wales.nhs.uk.

Carmarthenshire

• Llanelli, Unit 2a, Dafen Industrial Estate, Heol Cropin, SA14 8QW – drop-in opening times 9.15am to 5.30pm 
  • Monday 27 November
  • Wednesday 29 November
  • Thursday 30 November
  • Friday 1 December
  • Monday 4 December to Friday 22 December– every Monday, Wednesday Thursday and Friday
• Carmarthen Quins Rugby and Football Club (RFC) Training Ground, Castell Pigyn Road, Abergwili, SA31 2JJ – drop-in opening times 10.00am to 4.30pm  
  • From 28 November to 12 December – every Tuesday

Pembrokeshire

• Neyland, Unit 1 Honeyborough Retail Park, Neyland, Pembrokeshire, SA73 1SE – drop-in opening times 9.15am to 5.30pm  
  • Up until Friday 22 December – Monday to Friday

Ceredigion

• Cwm Cou, Ysgol Trewen, Cwm-Cou, Newcastle Emlyn SA38 9PE – drop-in opening times 9.30am to 5.30pm
  • Up to 15 December – every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
• Thomas Parry Library, Llanbadarn Campus, Aberystwyth, SY23 3AS – drop-in opening times 10.00am to 4.30pm 
  • Every Monday to 11 December