Powys hits 30,000 Covid booster mark

Powys has hit a new milestone as the new winter vaccination programme hit 30,000 jabs this week.

The Minister for Health and Social Care, Eluned Morgan MS, visited the Mass Vaccination Centre at Bronllys Hospital in Brecon, while Covid vaccines are also being delivered in Newtown for those in the Welshpool area.

“If you are eligible, you should receive your invitation by the end of November,” the Minister said. “And please do all that you can to attend the appointment you are offered, as this will help us offer boosters to everyone as quickly as possible.”

The winter respiratory vaccinations campaign includes vaccinations for at-risk groups for Covid-19 and flu.

Across the county members of the public who are deemed at greatest risk from Covid-19 infection, including in-patients, residents in social care settings, the over-50s and health board and care home staff, have been vaccinated.

Mererid Bowley, Powys Teaching Health Board’s Director of Public Health said: “Covid-19 and Influenza are circulating now. Vaccination is the best thing you can do to protect yourself from the potentially serious effects of an infection from Covid-19 and flu.

“We know from bitter experience that both infections can kill, but thankfully our Mass Vaccination Centres and General Practices across the county are working together to protect the public.

“Powys Teaching Health Board is calling up all eligible adults, including members of at-risk groups, for their COVID-19 vaccines, while GP surgeries are working hard to issue invitations and deliver flu vaccines too.

“Our Covid-19 reserve list is now open to all over-50s in the county who are registered with a Powys GP and can travel at short notice to our Mass Vaccination Centres in Newtown, Llandrindod Well or Bronllys. If this describes you then please register at https://pthb.nhs.wales/autumn-reserve.”.

The winter respiratory vaccinations campaign is encouraging all people to ‘Power Up Their Protection’ from serious illness caused by Covid-19 and Influenza.

The call-up for the flu vaccine this year is especially important, as Public Health experts are forecasting a significant flu season this winter for the first time since the pandemic began. There are concerns that cases of flu may start earlier this year and affect more people. As a result, Powys Teaching Health Board is now urging anyone who is eligible for a free flu vaccine to take up the offer to protect themselves and others from serious illness this winter.