New guidance for people in top priority groups who have yet to be vaccinated

New details have been announced for how Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board is ensuring that eligible people do not miss out on their chance to receive the Covid-19 vaccine.

The health board is asking anyone who is within one of the following top four priority groups, but who has yet to receive a vaccination appointment, to contact them using an online form:

• Care home residents and staff.
• People aged 80 and over.
• Frontline health and social care workers.
• People aged 75 and over, and the clinically extremely vulnerable.

The online form, which is available at the Cwm Taf website, asks people to identify which priority group they belong to, and to submit some contact details. They will then be contacted directly with details on how they can receive a dose of the vaccine.

To prevent abuse of the system, people are being reminded that the vaccine is free to receive - remain alert for scammers, do not hand over any money, banking details or confidential information to callers, and report any suspicious behaviour.

The guidance follows news that more than 90,300 people across the region have now received their first dose of the vaccination, including 25,600 vulnerable residents of Bridgend County Borough.

Council Leader Huw David said: “This is excellent news. There are approximately 100,000 people across the Cwm Taf region who are within the top four priority groups, and the health board is on target to meet its aim of ensuring they receive at least their first dose of the vaccine by mid-February.

“It is also highly encouraging to see that vaccinations in Bridgend County Borough have surpassed the 25,600 mark, partly thanks to increasing capacity and introducing evening appointments at our local vaccination centre, and that the programme has reached more than 90,300 people across the Cwm Taf region.

“Attention now is turning towards anyone who may have slipped through the gaps, so if you are within one of the top four priority groups but you have not been contacted or given an appointment date yet, use the online form at the Cwm Taf website, and someone will be in touch.”

The Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board website and Public Health Wales website are offering responses to frequently asked questions on the issue of the vaccine, and a dedicated helpline and email have been set up to assist people with any enquiries.

These can be accessed by calling 01685 726464 between 10am-4.30pm Monday to Friday, or emailing CTM.VaccinationEnquiries@wales.nhs.uk.

Mobile testing also remains available within the county borough, and residents are urged to make use of this free service if they experience any of the symptoms associated with coronavirus.

A drive-through mobile testing facility is currently available between 9am-4pm at the Halo Swimming Pool in Pyle (CF33 6RP), and a walk-through testing facility remains in place between 8am-8pm at the Bowls Hall car park off Bridgend Life Centre (CF31 4AH).

Booking for both facilities is essential and can be arranged by visiting the Welsh Government website or calling 119. People with hearing or speech difficulties can book an appointment by calling 18001119.