All adults can now apply to go on reserve list for Covid vaccine

ALL adults aged 18 and above living in the Swansea Bay University Health Board area can now join a reserve list for a coronavirus vaccine.

The Swansea health board confirmed yesterday that the list is now open to any adult who can make themselves available for a first dose of the jab at short notice.

A spokesman said the reserve list had been “extremely popular” since it was set up, with more than 10,000 people registering to date.

“Until now we’ve managed our vaccination reserve list in-house, contacting people directly who are next in line and asking if they are available to come at short notice to use spare vaccines left over at the end of clinics,” he said.

“But we’ve had so many requests from people who want to proactively join a reserve list that we’ve launched a new online form.

“It was initially put in place for people over 35 but we have now opened it up to anyone over the age of 18. This allows us to call in people across all ages so that we can ensure that people have the vaccine appropriate to their age group.”

To join, please see the online form at https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/coronaviruscovid-19/information/vaccine-in-swansea-and-npt/reserve-list-form/

Last weekend, the Welsh Government said they had managed to offer a first Covid jab to everyone over 50 and were moving on to the 40-49 bracket.

Most health boards are allowing younger people to sign up to be called at the last minute if there is a cancellation to prevent a jab going to waste.

According to the Powys Health Board: “Our reserve lists for first dose appointments help us fill cancellations and ensure no dose is wasted.

“They are currently open to people 30-39 (primary reserve list) and people 18-29 (secondary reserve list) for appointments in all three sites.”

However Hywel Dda University Health Board does not appear to be offering a reserve list.