PLANS for a rapid expansion of vaccination centre hubs across Montgomeryshire will see people aged over 80 get their jab by the end of the month.

Montgomeryshire MS Russell George welcomed the news in the latest chapter in the battle against coronavirus.

From the week commencing January 18, the county’s three large vaccination centre hubs will expand to administer 4,000 vaccinations each week.

From the week commencing January 25, the county’s vaccination programme is set to increase to 8,000 vaccinations each week when GP-led clinics open across the county.

Russell George MS and Craig Williams MP along with other politicians had a meeting with officials from Powys Teaching Health Board on Wednesday to discuss the details of the vaccine rollout programme for Powys.

Mr George said: "Sadly, Wales is lagging behind the rest of the UK so far, with a lower proportion of people getting a first dose of the vaccine.

"However, approximately three per cent of the population have been vaccinated in Powys, which I’m pleased to report is the highest rate in Wales.

"Prior to the meeting with Powys Teaching Health Board, I was concerned about the lack of information and clarity on the local rollout plans, and the pace of the roll out particularly for the over 80s age group but the Health Board has assured me that the rollout for the over 80s has already begun."

Mr George said that the Health Board had confirmed to him that there were approximately 10,000 people in Powys in the over 80s age group, and that 3,000 should have already received a letter about their vaccination.

Mr George said: "I was told that these letters are being staged to help for a smooth process. The letters sent so far ask people to ring to arrange an appointment.

"However, I understand that in future the letters will instead offer an appointment slot and ask for people to ring if they wish to make any alterations.

"The Health Board are asking people not to contact either them or their GP ahead of receiving this letter. The CEO also informed me that by the end of this month, those in the over 80s age group will have largely been vaccinated.

"At the moment, the vaccine programme is giving priority to care home residents and staff, people aged 80 and over, and frontline health and care workers.

"The next priority groups are people aged 75 and over, people aged 70 and over, and those deemed to be clinically extremely vulnerable.

"As you can imagine, the Health Board are having to cope with a number of factors. My thanks go to those that are involved in the track and trace and the vaccination programme.

"The health board also asked for us to have patience with them as they work though the ongoing plans."