BETSI Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) have reached another important milestone in their vaccination programme.

The health board have vaccinated or offered an appointment to all those in the first four priority groups. This includes care home residents and staff; frontline health and social care workers; people who are extremely clinically vulnerable and all those over 70 years of age.

Gill Harris, deputy chief executive, said: "This has been made possible thanks to the incredible efforts of our current and retired NHS staff, GPs, administration staff, trade unions, our local authority partners, the emergency services, the military and our wonderful volunteers.

"This week we start in earnest on administering second doses while continuing to offer first doses to those aged 65-69. However, we’re committed to ensuring that nobody is left behind."

Anyone aged over 70, who is clinically extremely vulnerable or is frontline health or social care worker, that hasn't had the vaccine, should contact the Covid-19 vaccination booking centre on 03000 840004.

The opening hours are 8am to 8pm, seven days per week.

Lines can be "extremely busy".

Key achievements

  • As of February 14, 184,923 people in North Wales had received their first Covid-19 vaccination
  • Vaccines administered to individuals in top four priority cohorts: 159,621
  • Last week (February 7-14), 41,548 received their first vaccination
  • Vaccination plans for this week (February 15-22)

Ms Harris added: "This week we start a new phase in the vaccination programme. From February 15, people who received their first dose of the Pfizer vaccine either at a Hospital Vaccination Centre or a Mass Vaccination Centre will be called back to the same location for their second dose. This includes frontline health care staff, staff at residential homes and social care staff.

"As has been announced at a Wales-wide level, the supplies of vaccine available to all health boards for the next fortnight is lower than what we have been receiving. This is due to production levels centrally.

"This week BCUHB will receive a total of 23,430 vaccines (10,530 doses of the Pfizer vaccine and 12,900 doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine). Most of our Pfizer vaccine supply will be used to administer second doses.

"In addition to providing second doses, we have made a positive start to vaccinating people in priority group 5, with over a third of people aged 65-69 having received their first dose of the vaccine, and more people booked in over the coming days.

"We now have vaccine supply data four weeks in advance and this helps us to plan ahead. According to the supplies that we expect to receive, we should be in a position to start vaccinating priority group 6 (individuals aged 16-64 with underlying health conditions) in March."

People are asked not to phone the Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Centre or their GP practice to book an appointment, unless they have been asked to do so or are in one of the age groups invited to phone the health board if they haven’t yet received an appointment.

Ms Harris said: "We know that some people do not answer their phones if they do not recognise the number. However if you are in one of the groups currently being vaccinated then we may try to call you to offer you a short notice appointment if one becomes available.

"If you receive an invitation for an appointment but are sure that you do not wish to be vaccinated then please let us know so that we can offer that appointment to somebody else.

"When you attend your vaccination appointment please remember that we want to keep you safe and so strict social distancing rules will be in force. Please do not arrive early, and please bring a face mask.

"You should also bring photo ID as you may be required to present it."

Residents are asked to comply with lockdown rules, observe social distancing, wash their hands and wear face coverings where necessary in order to reduce the risk of infection, protect the NHS and keep each other safe

For further information on the Covid-19 vaccination rollout in North Wales, including answers to frequently asked questions, click here.