THE Deeside Mass Vaccination Centre has closed after delivering more than 220,000 Covid jabs.  

The region’s largest ever vaccination programme has gone from strength to strength, with thousands of people from the NHS, trade unions, local authorities, the emergency services and the military involved in the mammoth roll-out. 

Deeside Mass Vaccination Centre has been supported by dozens of volunteers who have gifted their time and helped deliver the vaccination roll-out as quickly and as effectively as possible. 

READ MORE: Several changes are made to Wales' Test Trace Protect service

Thomas Halpin, Covid-19 Vaccination Programme Manager, said: “This week we saw the doors close for the last time at Deeside Mass Vaccination Centre, and I want to thank all the staff and volunteers for making the centre such a success, and I hope everyone can take a moment to celebrate.

"I’d also like to thank the community for their support as well as their patience during the time we have been located within their leisure centre. 

“The vaccination staff have worked tirelessly over the last 15 months to protect a large majority of the population of North Wales, the success of this centre highlights the dedication and hard work of the whole team to protect the people of Wrexham and Flintshire."

READ MORE: The change in Covid rules on mask wearing and self-isolation in Wales

He added: "The achievements of this centre, and the vaccination programme, is down to all the teams working on site, and in the background, including HR, estates, IT, pharmacies, communications, and those who were deployed from their usual jobs to the vaccination programme – we thank them all. 

“We have opened five smaller sites in towns across Flintshire, which we hope will reduce travel time for the majority of people and improve access to the vaccine.” 

Leader of Flintshire County Council, Councillor Ian Roberts, said: “I would like to thank each and every person who worked tirelessly to make the mass vaccination programme a success.

"All the people who worked behind the scenes to repurpose Deeside Leisure Centre without whom it couldn’t have happened, the doctors, nurses, support staff and volunteers for getting jabs into people’s arms and everyone who turned out to receive their jabs to protect themselves and everyone around them.

"We are all aware that Covid has not gone away, but without a doubt the speedy roll out of vaccinations has been a driving force in getting us to where we are today, learning to live with the virus. 

“For anyone who’s not yet had a vaccination, don’t worry it’s never too late. Although the Mass Vaccination Centre at Deeside has closed its doors, Flintshire County Council continues to work with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and other partners to provide access to local community facilities, from where the work of this valuable vaccination programme will continue.” 

To book a vaccination at one of the local centres, call 03000 840004.