5,000 already vaccinated in Powys

Nearly 5,000 people have already received a Covid-19 vaccine in Powys, the local health board has confirmed.

Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB) has also confirmed today that all staff and residents of care homes will have been offered the vaccine by the end of next week.

But some residents are complaining that they cannot get through on the phone lines that those invited are told to call and book an appointment.

One concerned resident commented: “My Dad who will be 88 years old in April and has Oesophageal cancer and lives in supported living accommodation (so not considered a Care Home but risk of transmission is high) has received his letter. He has tried over 10 times to get through to book appointment and simply can’t.”

PTHB responded: “Please accept our apologies that we are experiencing a very high number of enquiries about Covid-19 vaccination, and our multiple phone lines are very busy. Thank you for your patience, and please do keep trying.”

Health chiefs have reiterated their message for only those who have been invited for the vaccine call, with the rest being told to wait our turn.

“As more supplies of the vaccines are delivered, the pace will now increase and more clinics will be set up during January,” said a PTHB spokesperson. “You will be invited based on the priority list agreed across the UK.

“Vaccination is currently taking place for people living in a care home for older adults, people aged 80 and over, and health and care workers.

“We expect to complete our invitations to people aged 80 and over by the end of January. Invitations will then be sent to people aged 75 and over.”

A care home in Rhayader became the first in Powys yesterday to receive the vaccine en masse, with 11 more across the county expected to be done today.

More information about COVID-19 vaccination in Powys here