Vaccine reserve list available for residents aged 40-49

Residents aged 40 to 49 who are available to attend a Covid-19 vaccination appointment within one hour can now sign up for Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s reserve list.

Overwhelming demand and technical problems saw the form crash when it was first launched but it is now back up and running. A large number of people submitted their details before the form crashed but are invited to resubmit them as a precaution.

The list has been set up due to a slight increase in the number of no-shows at community vaccination centres and will allow the health board to fill cancelled appointments and continue to ensure no vaccine goes to waste.

It will not affect vaccines for residents in priority groups 1 to 9. Letters for all people in these groups have now been sent out and should be arriving soon.

More than 285,000 vaccines have been given across the Cwm Taf Morgannwg area, including more than 85,000 vaccines in Bridgend County Borough.

Community testing remains available to residents over the age of 11 who do not have symptoms of coronavirus at the Ogmore Valley Life Centre.

The walk-in centre is available until Tuesday 13 April from 9.30am-6.30pm Monday to Friday, and 10am-4pm on Saturdays and Sundays. No appointment is necessary and anyone who lives, works or studies in the county borough can get tested. This also includes anyone who is visiting.

Because it is possible for people who have been vaccinated to still carry the virus, the testing includes residents who may have already undergone a test or who have received a dose of the vaccine.

I would urge all residents to attend their vaccine appointment when they are invited but if you are unable to, please let the health board know so it can be offered to someone else.

The vaccines are safe and we encourage you to take up the offer of a vaccination so we can all protect our communities.

Bridgend County Borough Council leader Huw David

Residents are warned to be alert to scam text messages and emails that are currently circulating claiming to be from the NHS, inviting them for a coronavirus vaccine if they confirm their identity by entering bank details.

The NHS may invite you for a vaccine by text but it will never ask for bank details. These scams are sophisticated but they can be avoided - please pay close attention to any texts and emails you receive. You can forward suspicious texts to 7726 free of charge.

For more information or to join the reserve list if you’re eligible, fill out the form at the Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board website.