'Vaccination rates in North Wales are amongst the highest in the world'

MS for Wrexham

Over the past couple of weeks, all those in Wrexham who were previously asked to shield have been receiving letters from Wales’ Chief Medical Officer, Dr Frank Atherton.

Despite the rise in number of coronavirus cases in our communities and the lifting of many restrictions in Wales throughout the summer months, Dr Atherton will not be advising people who are clinically extremely vulnerable to shield at this time. Furthermore, he does not expect to reintroduce measures again in the future, however, the shielding patient list is being retained in case the situation unexpectedly changes.

Latest data shows fewer people are being admitted to hospital and there has been significantly fewer deaths when compares to earlier waves. Striking a balance between the risk of harm from coronavirus and the risk of harm to an individual’s mental health is also an important factor to consider.

The Chief Medical Officer’s latest letter aims to offer reassurance to those who are still anxious about heading outdoors, and I know there are constituents in Wrexham who feel this way. It contains information about vaccine effectiveness and highlights the measures the Welsh Government will retain if level 0 is adopted on 7 August as anticipated. In addition, the letter offers advice on how to minimise personal risk, as well as providing the contact details of a number of charities, groups and organisations that can offer further support to concerned individuals.

If any constituents who were previously shielding have not received the latest letter from Dr Atherton, please get in touch and I will arrange for a copy to be sent.

Vaccination rates in North Wales are amongst the highest in the world and each and every person involved in the rollout deserves great credit for this outstanding achievement.

According to Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s latest figures, around 85% of eligible adults in North Wales are fully vaccinated and more than three quarters of people aged between 18 – 39 have had a first dose.

In addition to helping protect your loved ones and the wider community, having both jabs reduces your chances of hospitalisation with Covid-19 by over 90% so it is vital as many people as possible get vaccinated.

You can book first and second dose jabs at a convenient date, time and location via the Health Board’s online booking service. Glyndwr University’s Catrin Finch Centre is accepting walk ins without an appointment on most days and pop-up vaccination clinics are targeting areas across the region.