ALL adults in Wales will have been offered a vaccine six weeks ahead of schedule, Welsh Government confirmed.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan has thanked Wales’ fantastic vaccination teams as she confirmed all eligible adults in Wales will have been offered a vaccine by Monday, June 14 – six weeks ahead of schedule.

However, despite the good news that Wales is leading the way with the vaccination programme, concerns have been raised that some people may have been missed and have not yet been invited to book.

In Wales, there is a 'no-one left behind policy' so anyone who has changed their minds about having the vaccine, there are systems in place.

Welsh Government has issued advice on what to do if you have changed your mind or if you think you have been missed:

They said if you have not received an invitation or think you have been missed please contact your local health board.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board can be contacted on 03000 840004 or via the online booking form.

The online booking service

It is now easier than ever for people to book their first and second doses through the online booking service on the Betsi website.

A range of appointment dates and times are available, with vaccination clinics being held in locations across North Wales.

Those who are unable to book online are able to call the dedicated COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840004.

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, added they may also continue to hold short notice vaccination drop in sessions, in order to increase flexibility and ensure they continue to avoid any vaccine wastage.

Anyone wishing to book online can do so at https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-information/covid-19-vaccination-online-booking/

Are you registered at your local GP surgery?

You will not have received a vaccination appointment from your local health board if contact details at your GP surgery are out of date. Contact the surgery and check your details (address and mobile phone number) are up to date.

Gill Harris said vaccines are continuing to be administrated as quickly as supply allows.

She added: "Our vaccination teams will continue to hold information sessions in local supermarkets, shopping centres and other areas of high footfall, in order to answer and address any questions or concerns people have about the COVID-19 vaccine. We will also be targeting communities where take up of the vaccine is lower than average.

"Please don’t worry if you’ve not been able to book your appointment just yet, or you turned down the vaccine when it was first offered and have since changed your mind. The door is always open and it’s not too late to change your mind.

"If you have any concerns about receiving the vaccine, please book and attend your appointment, so we can take the time to discuss any concerns you have, before you decide whether to go ahead.

"We are again appealing for people who are hesitant about receiving the vaccine to make an informed decision about whether to be vaccinated, based on the latest information from trusted sources. The Public Health Wales website is a great place to start."

Do I still need to follow the social distancing rules if I have been vaccinated?

Welsh Government said the COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective and will reduce your chance of becoming seriously ill from the virus.

However, like all medicines, no vaccine is 100% effective. There is still a small chance you could catch COVID-19 even if you’ve had the vaccine. It will also take a few weeks for your body to build up protection from the vaccine.

Even if you’re vaccinated, you may still be able to pass the virus on to others who have not yet been vaccinated.

It is important that you continue to follow the rules to keep yourself and others safe.

Please continue to:

  • keep social contacts to a minimum
  • keep social distancing
  • wash your hands regularly
  • wear your face covering where required
  • self-isolate if you have COVID-19 symptoms
  • self-isolate if you have been identified as a contact by Test, Trace, Protect
  • follow the rules and regulation