Vaccination newsletter - 13th of March 2023

Welcome to the latest edition of our newsletter.

We start with an important message about the spring 2023 Covid-19 booster vaccine, and the end of the Covid-19 boosters and primary doses.

Please pass on to family members and friends who may be affected.

What’s happening?

This spring we are offering an extra booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to the most vulnerable people in our communities.

The extra booster has been recommended by the independent Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), which advises UK governments, and accepted by Welsh Government.

It’s being offered as a precaution so that those who are most at risk of becoming seriously ill if they catch coronavirus can keep a high level of immunity.

Who gets it?

• those aged 75 and over, and those turning 75 before the end of June
• older care home residents
• those aged five and over who are immunosuppressed

The majority of those who are eligible will not be offered the spring 2023 booster until at least six months has passed since their previous dose.

How and when will I hear?

You will be sent a letter from the health board with an appointment at a local vaccination centre, community pharmacy or your GP surgery.

The appointment being offered is for the Covid-19 Spring 2023 Booster.

You may hear from us towards the early part of April. But don’t worry if you don’t hear from us straight away, appointments will be given as we work through the eligibility groups. We will be offering the spring booster until end of June 2023.

There is no need to contact your GP surgery or the health board. If you are eligible, you will be sent an appointment.

Our community teams will be giving the spring boosters in care homes from 1st April.

The community team will also visit those who are on the housebound list.

What if I catch Covid when my booster is due?

If you test positive for Covid you must delay having a Covid vaccination for at least 28 days.

If you do catch Covid, please contact us as soon as possible so we can cancel your appointment. You can do this by contacting the booking team on 01792 200492 or 01639 862323, Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Or email: SBU.COVIDbookingteam@wales.nhs.uk

How can I cancel or change my appointment?

If you are unable to make your appointment, contact the booking team on 01792 200492 or 01639 862323, Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm. Or email: SBU.COVIDbookingteam@wales.nhs.uk

Details on how to cancel or change your appointment will also be included on the letter.

The end of the Covid-19 vaccine boosters and primary doses

The offer of the Covid-19 vaccine boosters will end on 31st March 2023.

The offer to all of the two primary doses (first and second) of the Covid-19 vaccine will end on 30th June 2023.

If you’re eligible for your booster and still haven’t received it, or if you still haven’t received your first two Covid-19 vaccines, there’s still time!

If you haven’t had your first or second dose, remember you'll need 12 weeks in between.

Vaccines are available by dropping into our local vaccination centres at Canolfan Gorseinon Centre and Aberafan Shopping Centre, our Immbulance when it’s in the community or you can contact our booking team on 01792 200492 or 01639 862323 between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Saturday. Or email: SBU.COVIDbookingteam@wales.nhs.uk

Please note – drop-ins are for booster and primary doses ONLY. Those eligible for spring boosters will be sent an appointment.

For more information about the Covid vaccine follow this link.

Thanks for reading.