By Lesley Griffith

MS for Wrexham

Regular readers of this column will be aware it has been dominated in recent weeks by the rollout of the Covid-19 vaccination programme. Since the turn of the year, this issue has been the prime concern for constituents and I am continuing to keep them up-to-date with all the latest information. I recently met with the Chief Executive of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and I am receiving regular updates about the progress in North Wales. First and foremost, it’s important to highlight the vaccination team is doing an incredible job and I thank each and every person involved for all their hard work. Many will be aware the next milestone is for everyone aged 50 – 69 and all those aged 16 – 65 in an at-risk group (Priority Groups 5 – 9) to be offered their first vaccination by 19 April, in line with the rest of the UK. The North Wales Health Board remains confident it is on course to meet this target, just as it met the first key milestone back in mid-February. Its focus this past week has been to offer vaccination to people in Priority Groups 5 – 7, as well as those due their second dose. It has now been confirmed everyone in North Wales in Priority Groups 6 – 9 will have received their invitation for their first vaccination by 5 April. I hope this will provide everyone in these groups with greater reassurance if they have yet to be contacted.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is also keen to ensure nobody is left behind. Priority Groups 1 – 5 includes people aged 65 years and over and those who are clinically extremely vulnerable and on the shielding list. If anyone in these groups missed their original appointment, for whatever reason, and wish to reschedule, they can. People in Priority Groups 1 – 5 can contact their GP to book a local appointment, or call the helpline (03000 840004) for an appointment at the Local Vaccination Centre, located at Glyndwr University. It’s important to stress only people in Priority Groups 1 – 5 should contact their GP or the Health Board in this way. Everyone else must wait to be contacted.

People who are currently shielding will be aware the latest guidance was put in place until 31 March. The Welsh Government has confirmed shielding measures will be paused after this date, allowing those who have been taking extra precaution to return to their day-to-day lives. The shielding patient list will be remain available should the Welsh Government need to ask anyone to follow shielding measures again, however, we all sincerely hope that will not be necessary.