June 03, 2021 - 1619 views
In the latest update on coronavirus vaccinations in North Wales, Betsi Cadwaladr's Executive Director of Nursing has said that people not turning up for appointments continues to be a problem but that the programme is running very successfully to plan.
"We need people to make sure they attend an appointment when they receive one. We are continuing to see a high number of people failing to attend their appointments."
"We have now delivered 736,501 vaccinations across North Wales, with 271,054 people now having received their first and second doses. This continued success in delivering the vaccine means we are helping to protect ourselves, our families and our communities from COVID-19.
"We know that people want to get back to normality and do the things they enjoy most, particularly as we reach the summer months. The best way for us to do this is to make sure everyone who is eligible for the vaccine gets it.
"As lockdown measures continue to ease, proof of vaccination may be required to enable you to enjoy a range of social activities, such as holidaying abroad, or attending concerts, festivals or sporting events. You can now obtain a certificate of vaccination for international travel by visiting the Welsh Government website.
"We are continuing to offer short notice appointments to people in certain age groups on a first come first served basis. These are publicised on our social media accounts and through the local media, where possible.
"This week we expect to introduce an online booking system on our website, which will enable people to book both first and second dose appointments at a time and date that is convenient for them, providing greater flexibility.
"We’re determined not to leave anybody behind, so please don’t worry if you’re not able to attend one of our drop in sessions or book your appointment online just yet.
"Volunteers from within a 50-mile radius of Wrexham are now needed to take part in a new clinical trial to receive a third ‘booster’ COVID-19 vaccine.
"Public Health Wales is recruiting over 30s who have had two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine to take part in this research study, including those immunised early in the vaccination programme. For example, adults aged 75 and over or health and care workers.
"The COV-Boost study, which is being run at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, is taking place at 18 sites in the UK and will involve 2,886 volunteers.
"The trial is looking at seven different COVID-19 vaccines as potential boosters, given at least 10 to 12 weeks after a second dose as part of the ongoing vaccination programme. Volunteers could receive a different brand to the one they were originally vaccinated with.
"It is the first in the world to provide vital data on the impact of a third dose on patients’ immune responses. It will give scientists from around the world and the experts behind the UK’s COVID-19 vaccination programme a better idea of how effective a booster of each vaccine is in protecting people from the virus.
"The study is looking to include people from a wide variety of backgrounds and those from ethnic minorities are encouraged to apply."
Anyone interested in finding out more and signing up can visit the study website: https://www.covboost.org.uk/participate-wrexham
