Vaccination newsletter 7th of October 2021

Autumn is most definitely upon us and with the change in the season comes an increase in illness.

The number of Covid cases in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot remains among the highest in Wales, so now is not the time to drop our guard.

Experts who advise the Welsh Government also warn that flu levels could be 50% to 100% higher than a ‘normal’ winter this year as a lack of infection during Covid restrictions last year created an “immunity debt”.

So we’re urging everyone to take up vaccination offers when they get them.

GP surgeries are busy giving the flu vaccination and our mass vaccination centres are continuing to roll out the Covid boosters, third primary doses of the Covid vaccination for the immunosuppressed and vaccinations for 12 to 15 year olds.

And remember it’s never too late to get your first dose of the Covid vaccination if you haven’t done so yet.

 

You can find more details below.

 

Latest figures

 

Please note: Figures correct as of 10am on Thursday, October 7th. These figures are for the Swansea Bay University Health Board area, not the whole of Wales.

1^st dose: 289,093

2^nd dose: 268,105

Doses given in GP practices (first and second doses): 121,322

Running total (1^st and 2^nd doses): 557,198

 

 

Latest news

NHS Covid Pass

Mandatory Covid passes for nightclubs and large events will be introduced on Monday, October 11^th.

You can access the NHS Covid Pass via the NHS website or request a paper copy.

Go to this page on the Welsh Government website for details of when a pass is required, who can get one and how to get one.

 

First doses still available for everyone over the age of 16

If you're over 16 and haven't had your first Covid vaccination yet, it's not too late to book an appointment.

Our mass vaccination centre drop-in sessions are currently on pause while we make sure we have enough time, space and resources to give third and booster doses, and vaccinate 12-15 year olds. But it is still really easy to get your first or second dose done.

You can book an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you by phoning 01792 200492 or 01639 862323 between 9am-5pm, Monday - Saturday. Or email the booking team at sbu.covidbookingteam@wales.nhs.uk                                                             

 

Extra support

We would like to make sure that you receive the support you need when you attend for your Covid vaccination. If you have any additional needs, for example:

•        disability,

•        anxiety,

•        language, or

•        communication requirements

or you would like to speak to someone about the vaccination and any concerns or hesitancy you may have, please let us know by:

Emailing: sbu.covidbookingteam@wales.nhs.uk

Phone: 01639 862323

Operating Times: Monday – Saturday 9am to 6pm.

We will do our best to help you on the day of your appointment to reduce any levels of concern you may have about attending.

 

Booster doses for over 50s

In line with JCVI guidance, we have begun our programme of booster vaccinations – starting with those aged over 80, people living in care homes, and frontline health and social care workers.

Health and social care workers are being informed of arrangements via a text message, and we are visiting care homes to deliver vaccinations to the people who are staying or live there.

Frontline workers employed by Swansea Bay University Health Board can find further information on our intranet (search ‘Covid-19 booster vaccine for frontline staff’).

Please note that there has to be at least a six-month gap between your second dose and your booster dose so it may be that you are called a little earlier or later than family or friends around the same age.

Go to this page on our health board website for more information on the booster programme.

 

Third doses for immunosuppressed people

We have also started directly contacting people who are immunosuppressed to book an appointment for their third primary Covid-19 vaccine dose.

If you are immunosuppressed, you will be eligible for a third dose, as well as a booster dose – four injections in total. You will receive your booster dose six months after your third dose.

Go to this page on our website for more information on third doses for immunosuppressed people.

 

First doses for 12-15 year olds

We have started to vaccinate 12 to 15 year olds with the aim that everyone in this age group will have received an appointment offer by the 1st of November.

We are sending letters to home addresses with details of a scheduled appointment at a Mass Vaccination Centre in Swansea or Neath Port Talbot.

Go to this page on our website for more information on Covid-19 vaccinations for 12-15 year olds.

 

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