Vaccination newsletter 23rd of June 2021

The Delta variant is now the dominant strain in Wales. Case numbers are rising because it is easier to catch and pass on. But the good news is that evidence shows that two doses of a Covid vaccination greatly reduces the risk of hospitalisation from the strain, which was first identified in India.

So make sure you get a first dose if you haven’t already had one. Details on this week’s drop-in sessions are below. And make sure you attend for your second dose.

In line with the Health Minister Eluned Morgan’s announcement this week we are shortening the time between first and second doses to provide better protection against the Delta variant. You don’t need to do anything, you will receive a second-dose appointment automatically. We are aiming to get the interval between first and second doses down to eight weeks.

Go to this page on our website to read more from our Director of Public Health, Dr Keith Reid.

Latest figures

Please note: Figures correct as of 11.30am on Wednesday, June 23rd. These figures are for the Swansea Bay University Health Board area, not the whole of Wales.

1^st dose: 273,296

2^nd dose: 187,943

Doses given in GP practices (first and second doses): 119,417

Running total (1^st and 2^nd doses): 461,239

 

Latest news

Let’s show Covid the red card! If you are aged 18 to 39 and haven’t had your FIRST Covid vaccine, we are running two more drop-in sessions this week.

When? Friday, June 25th and Saturday, June 26^th.

Time? 9am to 7.30pm.

Where? Bay Field Hospital Mass Vaccination Centre.

Vaccine? Pfizer.

Football? Wales v Denmark on a big screen TV on Saturday from 5pm.

Please remember:

• First-dose drop-ins only.

• Regarding second doses, in line with the Health Minister Eluned Morgan’s announcement this week we are shortening the time between first and second doses to provide better protection against the Delta variant. You don’t need to do anything, you will receive a second-dose appointment automatically. We are aiming to get the interval between first and second doses down to eight weeks. If you’ve been sent an appointment but can’t make it, call our booking team on 01792 200492 for advice and to reschedule.

• When attending for vaccination please bring photo identification such as a passport or driving licence or proof of address, such as an electricity, gas or telephone bill.
• Temporary residents such as overseas students, refugees and those on their asylum journey, but excluding holidaymakers, are able to attend these sessions. However, you will be informed that you need to register with a GP afterwards in order for the vaccine to go on your immunisation record.

 

What about those 40 and over who haven’t had their first dose? Go to this page on our website and sign up to our reserve list as soon as possible.

You can also contact our booking team direct on 01792 200492 or 01639 862323 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or email: sbu.covidbookingteam@wales.nhs.uk

 

Don't drop the ball on Covid! As Wales plays successfully during the Euros we must play our part and keep ourselves and others safe from coronavirus.

Whether you're watching the game at the pub or from the comfort of your own home, remember to adhere to social distancing guidelines and Welsh Government restrictions.

 

Headache, sore throat, runny nose? It could be a cold, but it could also be Covid! Latest research is showing that the some of the most commonly reported symptoms for the Delta (Indian) variant are these symptoms, which mimic a common cold. Unfortunately we now have confirmed Delta cases in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot.

So if you've caught a 'cold' think Covid, and get tested - just in case. 

Also, the Alpha (Kent) variant is circulating here too. So if you get any of the classic Covid symptoms: fever, new cough; loss of taste/smell, flu-like symptoms or any symptoms unusual for you, please get tested.

Getting a test:

• Ring 119 free between 7am and 11pm.
• Ring our local number 01639 862757.
• If you have hearing or speech difficulties: call 18001119.
• Go to this GOV.UK website page to book a free PCR test.

 

Digital vaccination certificates First Minister Mark Drakeford has announced that people in Wales will be able to access electronic vaccination status certificates similar to those in England “within days”.

However, they will not be available through a mobile phone app as it is in England. Access to the portal will be through a website.

We haven’t got the website address yet but as soon as we do, we will post it on our social media channels and website.

 

Hot topic We know many of you continue to have questions about the Covid vaccination programme. So today we’re addressing four more of the most commonly asked questions.

Question 1: When will I have my second dose?

We are shortening the time between first and second doses to provide better protection against the Delta variant. You don’t need to do anything, you will receive a second-dose appointment automatically.  We are aiming to get the interval between first and second doses down to eight weeks.

Question 2: Do you have to be 18 to have the vaccine?

Currently, only those aged 18 and over are offered routine vaccination in the UK.  However, we can vaccinate some 16 or 17 year olds: those who have underlying health conditions, who are unpaid carers or who live with an adult who has a weakened immune system. If this applies contact our booking team on 01792 200492 or 01639 862323 between 9am and 5pm Monday to Saturday.

Any 16 or 17 year olds working or training in patient-facing roles in social care will also be vaccinated.

As fewer than 5% of Covid cases are among children and they tend to have a mild form of the illness if they do catch it, routine vaccination is currently not recommended.

The expert group that advises the governments of the UK nations on vaccination, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), is currently reviewing whether routine vaccination should be extended to the 12 to 18 age group and is due to make an announcement shortly.

Question 3: Can I come along to a drop-in session if I have a GP in England but have moved to Wales and haven’t registered with a GP here yet?

Yes. You can come along but you will need to register with a GP in the Neath Port Talbot or Swansea area within 14 days as we would need to notify them of your first dose and that is how your second dose appointment will be generated.

Question 4: I’m a university student in England and registered with a GP there but have come home for the summer. Can I have the vaccine?

Yes. See the answer above if you are going to stay in Wales. If you are returning to university in the autumn, we will inform your GP of your first dose so you will be called for your second.

 

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