Update on vaccination roll-out in Bridgend County Borough

Latest figures provided by Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board have confirmed that 48,956 people have now received their first shot of the coronavirus vaccine across the region.

In Bridgend County Borough, more than 13,800 people have been vaccinated, with the health board aiming to provide all residents aged over 80 with their first dose of the vaccine by Sunday 31 January.

Mobile vaccination teams have visited all care homes in the county borough, and residents and staff have been assessed. All those declared medically fit have received their first dose, and plans are in place for the teams to return and vaccinate anyone who was not well enough to receive it the first time around.

The weekend’s snow and thick ice did not prevent the Llynfi Valley pilot scheme from taking place, especially after volunteers joined council workers in helping to clear the approach to Maesteg Hospital. The pilot scheme is testing how GP surgeries can work together to receive, supply and maintain doses of the Pfizer vaccine, which unlike the Oxford vaccine requires specific storage conditions, to maximise the benefits to the community.

GPs have started focusing upon people aged 70 and over, and based on current vaccine supply information, the health board anticipates that up to 25 per cent of this priority group will have received their first dose of the vaccine by (first dose) 25 percent of that group by Sunday 31 January.

With work ongoing to vaccinate health and social care frontline workers, the health board is also working with GPs to ensure that vulnerable people who are housebound or who may be shielding can receive a vaccination before 14 February.

Council Leader Huw David said: “This latest update is encouraging and I am pleased to see that the vaccination programme is continuing to make steady progress.

“The vaccination programme is continuing to target the most vulnerable and exposed members of the community by using priority groupings determined on a UK-wide basis by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation.

“All local GP surgeries have signed up to take part in the vaccination programme, and people are being contacted directly when it is their turn to receive their dose.

“We can support the roll-out and prevent resources from becoming tied up by not enquiring about the vaccine at pharmacies and GP surgeries. Each resident will be contacted when it is their turn to receive a dose, and no one should attempt to attend a vaccination centre without having an appointment in place to do so.

“Mobile testing facilities remain available in Bridgend County Borough for anyone who is experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, and please remember to remain alert for scammers trying to take advantage of the pandemic.

“The vaccine is free, and the NHS will never ask you to pay to receive it, or to provide confidential bank details or personal documents.

“As the effects of the vaccine may not be seen nationally for many months, the advice on keeping Wales safe remains the same  - remember to keep a two-metre distance from others, wash our hands regularly, and wear a face covering where required.”

To check for symptoms of coronavirus, visit the NHS 111 Wales website. To book an appointment and check availability of mobile testing facilities, visit the Welsh Government website or call 119. People with hearing or speech difficulties can book an appointment by calling 18001119.