19 centres to open across North Wales for vaccinations

LARGEST PROGRAMME OF ITS KIND IN HISTORY PROMISES JABS FOR ALL WHO WANT THEM

THERE will be up to 19 vaccination centres set up in North Wales as the health board gears up for the largest mass vaccination programme in the region’s history.

Rainbow hospitals in Bangor, Llandudno and Deeside will be supported by local vaccination centres in Anglesey, Caernarfon, rural Gwynedd, Denbigh, rural Conwy, Rhyl and Wrexham.

The details are contained in a local authority briefing sent to all North Wales county councils by the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

In addition to the Rainbow hospitals, up to 16 towns across North Wales will host vaccination centres as more doses of the Pfizer/BioNtech vaccine arrive, and with the anticipated approval of another developed by Oxford University and AstraZeneca.

Health board bosses believe there will be enough supply of the Covid-19 jab to immunise everyone who wants it.

This comes after the health board had to scale back plans to immunise staff in the central and eastern board areas this week, due to a lack of vaccine supply.

It said: “Enough supply is expected to cover all of the priority groups over the coming months, although the delivery models continue to be refined in response to the vaccine characteristics and supply, availability of suitable locations, and staffing.

“We are seeking clarity from Welsh Government on vaccine supply, as this will determine our plans for maintaining the vaccination programme over the Christmas period.”

The note details how anyone who suffers an anaphylactic reaction should not be given the injection.

It said: “Individuals will have a 15-minute post-vaccination observation period to ensure they are well to leave following their vaccine. All staff are trained in identifying anaphylactic reactions, and anaphylaxis kit will be available at all vaccination centres.”

Almost 2,000 doses should arrive in North Wales before Christmas, with staff in the central area who treat cancer patients, as well as those with immune deficiencies, next to receive the jab, followed by emergency department staff.

The briefing note continues: “In the new year, in line with an expected increase in vaccine availability, the delivery model will involve the full deployment of mass vaccination centres at Deeside, Llandudno and Bangor.”

The health board will contact people in line for the jab.