Vaccination newsletter 18th of August 2021

Since our last newsletter, we have taken several strides forward in our delivery of Covid-19 vaccinations to under 18s.

This week we are beginning to vaccinate 12 to 15 year olds who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable – there’s more information on this below.

In addition to booked appointments for 16 and 17 year olds, we have opened up our Mass Vaccination Centre drop-in sessions to this age group.

Go to this page on our website for more information on Covid vaccinations for 16 and 17 year olds.

And, due to increased supply, our Mass Vaccination Centre drop-in sessions are now open to all adults over the age of 16 who need first or second doses. We’ve included the full details in this newsletter.

Latest figures

Please note: Figures correct as of 7.50pm on Tuesday, August 17th. These figures are for the Swansea Bay University Health Board area, not the whole of Wales.

1^st dose: 281,668

2^nd dose: 256,795

Doses given in GP practices (first and second doses): 123,531

Running total (1^st and 2^nd doses): 538,463

Latest news

Covid-19 vaccinations for 12-15 year olds who are clinically extremely vulnerable

This week we have begun offering Covid-19 vaccination appointments to 12-15 year olds who are classed as clinically extremely vulnerable.

We are contacting parents, guardians and carers directly to book everyone in.

To make sure everyone in this group who comes to a Mass Vaccination Centre feels safe and comfortable during their visit, these appointments are being booked as part of special sessions with limited numbers of people attending at the same time.

First dose drop-ins now open to all 16+

Our first dose drop-in sessions are now open to everyone over the age of 16 in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

Previously, these sessions were limited to those aged 18 to 39 who should have a Pfizer vaccine. But due to increased supply, the health board is now able to offer everyone visiting a Mass Vaccination Centre drop-in session a first dose of Pfizer vaccine, so long as they are over 16 years of age.

First dose drop-in sessions will be taking place at the Bay Field Hospital and The Orangery, Margam Park Mass Vaccination Centres at the following dates and times this week:

Bay Field Hospital –

• Thursday, August 19th - Time: 4pm - 7.30pm
• Saturday, August 21st - Time: 9am - 7.00pm
• Sunday, August 22nd - Time: 10am - 6.00pm

The Orangery, Margam Park –

• Thursday, August 19th - Time: 9am - 7.45pm
• Friday, August 20th - Time: 9am - 7.45pm
• Saturday, August 21st - Time: 9am - 7.45pm

Not sure if you’re eligible to come to a drop-in? Read this:

• You don’t have to be registered with a GP to get vaccinated - but we recommend registering with one no later than 14 days after vaccination. You do not need a fixed address or identification to register.
• It doesn’t matter if you have insecure immigration status. You are entitled to the vaccination for FREE. Here in Wales, we don't share any health data with the Home Office.
• No ID? No worries. While we prefer identification and proof of address, we realise those in our homeless or migrant communities may not have them. This shouldn’t be a barrier to you being vaccinated.

Appointments are not needed to attend any of Swansea Bay UHB’s drop-in sessions, people can simply turn up on one of the dates advertised.

It’s not necessary to go to the Mass Vaccination Centre that’s closest to home either – people can go to the one that’s most convenient for them. Whether it’s on the way home from work, while out and about, or ahead of catching up with friends and family.

Go to this page on our website for all first dose drop-in vaccination sessions from this week onwards. New dates will be added to this calendar as they are confirmed.

Second dose drop-in sessions now available

In addition to our first dose drop-ins, we are also holding open sessions for anyone who needs a second dose of Pfizer vaccine.

These sessions are also being held at our Mass Vaccination Centres.

Please note, if you are planning to come along, at least eight weeks must have passed since you had your first dose. We will not be able to vaccinate you if it has been less than eight weeks since you were given your first dose.

Second dose drop-in sessions will be taking place at the Bay Field Hospital and The Orangery, Margam Park Mass Vaccination Centres at the following dates and times this week:

Bay Field Hospital –

• Saturday, August 21st - Time: 9am - 7.00pm
• Sunday, August 22nd - Time: 10am - 6.00pm

The Orangery, Margam Park -

• Thursday, August 19th - Time: 9am - 7.45pm
• Friday, August 20th - Time: 9am - 7.45pm
• Saturday, August 21st - Time: 9am - 7.45pm

Go to this page on our website for all second dose drop-in vaccination sessions from this week onwards. New dates will be added to this calendar as they are confirmed.

That’s all for this week. Many thanks for reading.