As Montgomery Medical Practice joined Welshpool Medical Centre in registering their intent to administer Covid-19 vaccines, health chiefs have again reiterated their plea not to call unless you have received an official invitation to do so.
Phone lines are becoming increasingly busy as people continue to enquire, but both centres said they are awaiting confirmation of when they can start, probably week commencing January 25, and that the 80 and over group will be first to be notified this month.
“Powys Teaching Health Board has already begun public vaccination through their mass vaccination centres in Bronllys and Newtown, and in Builth Wells from January 11,” said a spokesperson for Welshpool Medical Centre.
“Invitations are being sent by the health board to patients aged 80 and over, and all patients aged 80 and over should expect to receive their invitation during January.
“They have also begun vaccination for care home residents, and for frontline health & care workers.
“In addition to the health board’s vaccination centres, we are hopeful that we will be able to offer appointments from week commencing January 25. We are still currently awaiting confirmation on quantities of vaccine to be supplied.
“In the meantime please do not contact the surgery regarding Covid-19 vaccinations. You will be contacted to make an appointment.”
Invitations will be sent to patients based on the national priority list in the following order:
People aged 80 years and over
People 75 years of age and over
People 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals ("shielding")
People 65 years of age and over
All individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
People 60 years of age and over
People 55 years of age and over
People 50 years of age and over
More information about the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Powys and across Wales is available from the health board website at www.pthb.nhs.wales/coronavirus/covid-19-vaccination/