WALES OFFERS ONE MILLION VACCINES IN JUST 12 WEEKS
PRAISE FOR ROLL-OUT SUCCESS:
ONE million doses of the coronavirus vaccine have been administered across Wales and more than one in three of the Welsh adult population have received at least one dose.
Yesterday’s data shows 916,316 people – more than 38% of Wales’ adult population – have received at least one dose. Combined with the 89,053 second doses also delivered, 1,005,389 doses altogether have reached people’s arms. This has all been achieved in just 12 weeks.
The data also shows Wales has vaccinated:
■ 91.2% of over-80s;
■ 93.4% of 75 to 79-year-olds;
■ 92.9% of 70 to 74-year-olds;
■ 87.6% of those classed as clinically extreme vulnerable;
■ and more than 162,941 front-line health and social care workers.
On Wednesday, Health Minister Vaughan Gething confirmed many unpaid carers, eligible disabled people and those with severe mental illness are part of cohort 6, the current group being vaccinated.
It was also announced that Wales aims to have offered vaccinations to every eligible adult by July 31, as long as supply is maintained.
An updated version of the Vaccination Strategy for Wales was published on Friday.
Vaughan Gething said: “One million doses delivered is a fantastic testament to the incredible hard work and efforts of all those involved in Wales’ vaccine roll-out. To have reached such an incredible marker within just 12 weeks of the first vaccines arriving in the country should not be underestimated.
“Our vaccine programme continues at pace, and as long as supplies allow, we will vaccinate every adult by the end of July. I want to reassure people that no one will be left behind – anyone who wants a vaccine will get one.”
Once someone has had the vaccine, the Welsh Government asks everyone to follow the same steps to keep themselves and Wales safe; wear a mask, keep a 2m distance, wash your hands regularly and keep rooms as well ventilated as possible.
People will be invited in for an appointment when it is their turn and the advice is not to call your local health services, unless you are asked to do so or think you should have been in the top 4 priority groups (over 70, clinically extreme vulnerable or a front-line health and social care worker).