Vaccine invites going to the over 80s

Residents in the Welshpool area will start receiving their invitations to book their Covid-19 vaccines, following a successful test run this week.

Powys is home to nearly 10,000 people aged 80 and over and it is expected to take several weeks to complete the programme  through its three current hubs of Newtown, Builth Wells (opening on January 12) and Brecon. 

The county’s health board has also reminded people not to contact their GP or pharmacist to request the COVID-19 vaccine, as everyone will receive a direct invitation. 

In order to ensure that as many people as possible receive protection as soon as possible, Powys Teaching Health Board, along with all other health boards in Wales, said it is postponing the second dose of the vaccine for those health and care staff who have already received one dose. Second doses will now be given 11 weeks after the first dose. This is following UK guidance and Welsh Government requirements.

“Those who have had their first jab can be reassured they will have a good level of protection,” said a spokesperson. “Data indicates that from three weeks after the first dose is given, both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines provide a high level of protection from Covid-19 until the second dose.

“For both vaccines the second dose completes the course and is important for longer term protection. Everyone will still receive their second dose and this will be within 12 weeks of their first.”

However, even after vaccination with a first dose people are advised to continue to take measures to protect themselves: to keep a distance, wash their hands more often, and wear a face covering. The effects of the both vaccines on transmission is still unknown.

Meanwhile, Claire Cross (pictured) was one of the first people over the age of 80 in Powys to receive the vaccine in Brecon.

Claire received her first dose in Bronllys as part of a pathfinding exercise ahead of rolling out the vaccine to more people in the New Year. 

More information about COVID-19 vaccination in Powys is available from the Powys Teaching Health Board website. https://pthb.nhs.wales/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccination/