Latest pandemic arrangements in Bridgend County Borough

Plans have been announced by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) that will see the booster programme roll-out sped up across Wales.

The JCVI are advising that the interval between the second dose and the booster is reduced to three months and offered to over-18s to help stop a possible Covid wave driven by the Omicron variant.

There are also plans to invite those aged 12-15 for a second jab three months after their first and for severely immunosuppressed people to be offered a fourth dose of the vaccine as a booster.

In a statement Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: "All individuals who are eligible for a booster will automatically receive an invitation to attend an appointment when it is their turn."

“There will be a significant number of vaccination appointments issued over the coming weeks."

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has said that nearly 110,000 Covid-19 boosters have now been issued in the region. Appointment letters are currently being sent out to people aged 65-69 and people with underlying health conditions.

Meanwhile, Bridgend County Borough Council is urging residents to remain wary over the danger of scams using Covid-19 as a way to fraudulently steal money.

Scammers often make contact by email, phone calls, text messages, social media posts and even calling at your door and may ask for money.

If you receive a call/text/email claiming to be a COVID-19 vaccine booking line asking for your bank details or for money this is a scam. Never give out your bank details over the phone or email to an unknown, unverified source.

The NHS will never ask you for your bank account details or card details. The vaccine is free. More information on spotting fraud and scams is available on the UK Government website.

Elsewhere, 12-15 year olds are being reminded that they can still come forward for their first dose of the vaccine by requesting a new appointment on the health board’s website. Alternatively, those in the age group who want to opt-out of the vaccine programme can do so by contacting the health board or completing an online form.

An exclusive advice line has been set up for those in this age group and parents and information for that can be found on the health board’s website.

Community vaccination centres do not offer booster walk-ins but are continuing to offer walk-in clinics to people who are yet to have their first dose, or are overdue their second dose. First dose walk-ins are for people aged 16 and over, while second dose walk-ins are available to people aged 18 and over.

This includes Ravens Court in Bridgend (CF31 4AP) which is currently available from 11am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Over 110,000 people in the county borough have now received at least their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine, 88 per cent of the eligible population. This is a big step towards our efforts to beat this pandemic.

With boosters soon to become available to more people within the county borough, I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to remain vigilant of fraudsters and scammers. The vaccine is free.

It is in our hands to do all that we can do to ensure the county borough remains open and safe as we approach Christmas. I urge everyone to ensure they are fully vaccinated to keep your family and friends safe.

Council Leader Huw David

Mobile testing remains available in Bridgend County Borough for anyone experiencing symptoms of coronavirus. A drive-through testing facility is available at the former Revlon site in Maesteg (CF34 9TS) between 9am to 5pm, and booking is essential.

Drive-through testing is also available at Coity and Litchard Community Centre (CF31 1PA) from 9am-5pm, and booking is essential before you can use this facility.

A walk-through testing centre at the Bowls Hall car park in Angel Street, Bridgend (CF31 4AH) remains available between 8am-8pm, and booking is essential for this site.

You can arrange appointments by visiting the Welsh Government website or calling 119. If you have hearing or speech difficulties, you can call 18001119 as an alternative.

For more information about Covid-19 testing and vaccinations, visit the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board website.