Temporary closures planned for vaccination centres

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has confirmed that a two-week temporary closure is being planned for all of its vaccination centres, including the one based within Bridgend County Borough, due to anticipated supply issues around the Covid-19 vaccine.

The move, which has been planned to coincide with the health board achieving its aim of vaccinating everyone within the top four priority groups, will allow vaccination centres to be repurposed and suitable stocks of the vaccine to be prepared ready for phase two of the programme, which will focus on the next set of priority groups.

While the vaccination centres are closed, local residents will continue to receive doses of the vaccine via GP surgeries and mobile vaccination teams. The health board has also confirmed that an additional vaccination centre will be established at Maesteg Sports Centre to join the existing facility based at the Ravens Court building in Bridgend.

The health board is asking anyone within the top four priority groups – i.e. care home residents and staff, people aged 80 and over, frontline health and social care workers, people aged 75 and over, and people who are aged 70 and over and clinically extremely vulnerable - who have not yet received a vaccination appointment to contact them using an online form.

The 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.

Latest statistics have revealed that 100 per cent of care home residents, 90% of people aged 80 and over, 87% of people aged 75 and over, 85% of all care home workers, 83% aged 70 and over, 82% of health care workers, 76% of social care workers, and 57% of high-risk adults aged under 70 have already received a dose of the coronavirus vaccine. With strong, steady progress made on the vaccination programme, the health board is also focusing on making sure that nobody has been missed out before the vaccination centres temporarily close and preparations begin in earnest for phase two.

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). Don’t forget that 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.

Council Leader Huw David