A HEALTH board has apologised after a computer error caused of long waiting periods at the Venue Cymru vaccination centre.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) said an error in its vaccination booking system resulted in “too many people” being scheduled to receive their dose on Wednesday morning.

“We would like to apologise to everyone who experienced a long wait for their vaccine at Venue Cymru on the morning of Wednesday,” said Jo Dolan, Covid vaccination project lead for the central area of BCUHB.

“We are delighted to still see so many people coming forward for their vaccine and are grateful to those who did experience a delay yesterday for their understanding.

“Unfortunately there was an error with our booking system that meant too many people were booked onto our morning session. This has now been resolved.”

About nine in 10 eligible adults in North Wales have now had a first dose of either the Prizer of AstraZenica vaccine, while 69 per cent have had the full protection of two doses.

Despite the health board’s hugely successful vaccination campaign, first dose uptake among people aged 30-39 is lower than it needs to be.

BCUHB said it is using a range of communications channels to urge those who have not yet come forward to get themselves protected.

People who have not had their first dose can now book an appointment using the health board’s online booking service or attend one of its drop in or mobile clinics.

Mrs Dolan added: “We continue to urge those who have not yet received a first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to book an appointment or come along to one of our drop-in clinics as soon as possible.

“Vaccination provides the best protection from becoming seriously ill with Covid-19, and it is our best way to get back to normality, avoiding a potential third wave lockdown.

“Evidence shows that the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines are highly effective against the strain of the Delta variant of Covid-19 after two doses, so it’s very important that people continue to attend their second dose appointments when invited."