MORE than 7,000 have received a coronavirus vaccine through Powys Teaching Health Board's vaccination programme.

Writing in the health board's Vaccination Stakeholder Bulletin chief executive Carol Shillabeer gave details of how the programme will increase in the coming weeks.

She said: "Just two weeks into 2021 sees some important milestones already being reached.

"Over 7,000 people have now been vaccinated through the Powys vaccination programme. Invitations to every registered patient aged 80 and over have now been sent – these have been sent first class so will arrive in the next few days if they have not already done so.

"Our third mass vaccination centre opened in Builth Wells this week, and arrangements are in place for the Newtown mass vaccination centre to relocate to its new location at Maldwyn Leisure Centre next week. Thank you to the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and to Freedom Leisure for their support.

"Our vaccination capacity is set to expand by the end of next week so that we can deliver up to 4,000 doses a week already – although this remains dependent on the supply we receive from national stocks.

"And, armed forces colleagues have joined the local COVID-19 vaccination programme.

"Later next week will also see vaccine supplies delivered to all 16 GP practices, so that the network of GP practice-led vaccination clinics can open in the week beginning January 25.

"Each priority group is being invited in turn. We continue to ask everyone not to contact their GP, pharmacy, hospital, health board or local authority about an appointment – please do wait to be contacted as this is a very big task to put in place the biggest vaccination programme the country has ever seen.

"Our vaccination programme is only possible because of the people who deliver it.

"It is perhaps easy to think of a vaccination programme in terms of vaccines, centres, clinics and letters. But all of this is only possible because of people. First and foremost, this is the people we are here to serve – you.

"But all of this work depends on a massive team effort by staff right across the health board and many different partner organisations, as well as an amazing team of volunteers. I think it is fair to say that many staff across the health and care system are very tired after nearly a year of responding to COVID-19.

"The prospect of the vaccine brings that glimmer of hope as well as new work challenges, so I remain truly grateful to all of you for your patience and support for our team whilst this programme is put in place."