Sent on behalf of the Welsh NHS Confederation
Dear All,
Please see the following link for the briefing we shared with MSs and MPs yesterday providing an overview of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Wales. WNHS Briefing on vaccination programme.pdf
The key points are below.
Key points to consider:
- The COVID-19 vaccination programme is the largest scale vaccination campaign in our country’s history.
- People who are most at risk of developing serious illness or dying from coronavirus will get the vaccine first.
- When we look at the pace of vaccination, Wales’ rate is well above those of other European countries.
- Every day, we are vaccinating more and more people in Wales. The latest figures show that over 175,000 people have had their first dose of the vaccine.
- Every week, our vaccination programme speeds up as more venues open and more vaccines are available for the healthcare staff administering the vaccines.
- Vaccinations will be provided in a range of different sites, including mass vaccination centres, primary care surgeries, mobile units, care homes and residential settings.
- We have very low wastage rates in Wales – around 1% of vaccines have not been used.
- Every Health Board and Local Authority have sent a letter out to all people in Wales outlining when they will likely be invited to take the vaccine and where they will need to go to receive it.
- The NHS will contact people and invite them for a vaccine when they are due their vaccination via phone, post or text when it is their turn. People should not contact their GP, Health Board, hospital or Local Authority about an appointment.
- There has been an increase in NHS scams. People will be invited to have the vaccine through official NHS systems, and the NHS will never ask for money or bank details. Please share this important message.
- The NHS is in a precarious position and if cases rise our services could be severely affected once again. As the vaccine is rolled out, we all need to follow the safety rules and keep ourselves and our families safe; meet as few people as possible, wash our hands regularly, wear a face covering and keep our distance from others.
- The roll out of the vaccine is a priority which will not only protect the public, but it will also ease the pressure on a stretched and exhausted workforce.
