Protect Yourself and Your Community by Getting Vaccinated: Join Wales' COVID-19 Vaccination Programme Today!

Introduction:

The COVID-19 pandemic has been an unprecedented global health crisis. Fortunately, we now have vaccines that are effective in preventing severe illness and hospitalization from the virus. In this article, we will provide you with detailed information about the COVID-19 vaccination program in Wales.

I. Spring Booster Programme

The Spring Booster Programme is a vaccination campaign that runs between 1 April and 30 June. This vaccination will be offered to adults aged 75 and over, residents in care homes for older adults, and individuals aged 5 years and over who are immunosuppressed. If you belong to any of these groups, wait for an invitation to receive the vaccine in the post, and don't miss the opportunity to protect yourself from the virus.

II. Universal Offer of Primary Course Vaccination

The universal offer of primary course vaccination will end on June 30. If you haven't received your first or second primary vaccination dose, it's essential to get them before this date. To arrange an appointment, contact your local health board or follow their social media before these universal offers end. For those in 'at-risk' groups, the booster offer will reopen during booster campaign periods. If you develop a new health condition that places you 'at risk', you can get vaccinated during the next booster campaign period. Vaccination outside these campaign periods would be subject to individual clinical judgment. Getting vaccinated will protect you from serious illness during a COVID-19 infection, reduce the risk of complications from a long COVID illness, help protect our health and care services, and increase immunity in those at highest risk of COVID-19.

III. COVID-19 Vaccination for Children

The advisory committee on immunization in Wales recommends children aged 5 to 11 to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Eligible children are those who have turned 5 on or before August 31, 2022, or are considered to be in the at-risk category. If your child has not received either of the primary doses, please contact your local health board to arrange an appointment. You need to do this before 30th June 2023 when the universal offer ends. Children in 'at-risk' groups will be offered booster vaccinations during booster campaign periods. If your child develops a new health condition that places them 'at risk,' they can get vaccinated during the next booster campaign period. Vaccination outside these campaign periods would be subject to individual clinical judgment. There should be an interval of at least 12 weeks between the two doses of the children's vaccine.

IV. COVID-19 vaccination for At-Risk Children

Children aged 6 months to 4 are eligible for a two-dose primary course of COVID-19 vaccination if they are considered to be in the at-risk category. Eligible children are given a lower dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with an interval of at least 8 weeks between the first and second doses. The minimum period between any vaccine dose and recent SARS-CoV-2 infection should be four weeks. The parents or guardians of eligible children will be contacted directly by their health board.

V. Online Vaccination Rebooking Service

The online vaccination rebooking service allows you to change your COVID-19 vaccination appointment to a later date, cancel your COVID-19 vaccination appointment, or opt-out of receiving COVID-19 vaccination appointment invitations in the future. The universal offer of a primary course vaccination will be ending, so if you are rebooking your primary course vaccinations, you will need to do so before the 30th June. You can use the COVID-19 vaccination appointment rebooking service if you are aged 12 or over, registered with a GP in Wales, have a COVID-19 vaccination appointment later than today's date, and have received a letter or text from your health board inviting you to use this online service. You will need to register on NHS login to access this service. If you have an NHS COVID Pass, you will already be registered on the system. To register, you will need to upload a photo of your passport, full UK driving license or full European driving license. You may also be asked to record a short video of yourself. Rebooking or canceling your appointment will enable the NHS to offer your slot to someone else. If you are unable to use the online service, you can contact your health board to change your appointment.

Conclusion:

Getting vaccinated is crucial to saving lives and ending the pandemic. The COVID-19 vaccination program in Wales is designed to cater to everyone's needs and ensure that the whole population is eventually vaccinated. It's crucial to stay informed and follow the guidelines provided by the government to stay safe and healthy. Together, we can fight COVID-19 and emerge victorious.