PEOPLE across North Wales are being urged to get their Covid-19 vaccine to avoid regret and serious illness.

The Leader previously reported the story of 42-year-old gym enthusiast Artur Brylowski receiving intensive care treatment for COVID-19 at Wrexham Maelor Hospital, who spoke of his regret at turning down the vaccine.

Sadly, Artur’s story is by no means unique and there is an increase in younger people admitted to North Wales hospitals with the virus.

Please remember that if you turned down the vaccine when it was first offered, it’s not too late to change your mind. It’s quick and easy to book in advance using the online booking service or attend one of the walk in sessions.

Ffion Johnstone – Area Director (West), is urging teenagers to come forward for their vaccine after it was expanded to 16-17 year olds.

She said: “Parental consent to book or receive a first dose jab is not required, but people in this age group may be accompanied by an adult, if they wish to.

“The JCVI has said that advice on when to offer the second dose will come later.

"Evidence from COVID-19 outbreaks across North Wales shows that people in this age group are at significantly increased risk of catching and transmitting the virus.

“We’ve had an incredibly positive uptake of the vaccine among 18-29-year-olds and we are confident that a great majority of 16-17-year-olds will come forward for their jab and play their part in helping us all retain some the freedoms that have been recently restored after COVID-19 restrictions were eased.

“We urge any 16-17-year-old who isn’t sure if they want to receive the vaccine to book and attend an appointment, or turn up at any of our walk-in clinics, so we can take the time to discuss the benefits of vaccination and any concerns they may have, before they make a decision on whether to go ahead.”

Vaccination for children and young people with specific underlying health conditions;

In line with advice from the JCVI, the health board is sending appointment invitations to children aged 12 to 15 who are at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell with COVID-19. This includes children with severe neurodisabilities, Down’s syndrome, immunosuppression and multiple or severe learning disabilities.

These children are being contacted directly with an appointment. They will not be able to book online or attend walk-in clinics without an appointment.

Vaccination for children and young people living with immunosuppressed adults:

Children and young people aged 12 to 17 who live with an immunosuppressed adult are also now eligible for their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

A parent/guardian can self-identify children aged 12-15 who live with an immunosuppressed adult using a form on the Welsh Government website. Details will be verified and an appointment invitation will be sent in the post.

Young people aged 16-17 living with an immunosuppressed adult can book an appointment directly using the online booking service or walk-in clinics. They will be eligible for two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, so it is important that they identify themselves in this category with the vaccinator, so they are given an appointment for a second dose.

If a 16-17-year-old wants to attend a session with their parent they can follow the same process as that listed for 12-15 year olds above.

Vaccine supply

The current supply of COVID-19 vaccine across Wales is predominantly Pfizer BioNTech (and Moderna, which isn’t currently available in North Wales).

Ffion said: "From this week onwards, we will use the Pfizer vaccine for all first doses, regardless of age. The small amount of remaining AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine in our supply remains highly effective, and there are no safety concerns over its use.

"Over the next few weeks, we will continue to use it to provide second doses, as it is still recommended that where possible, the second dose should be the same brand as the first.

"This approach is consistent with the advice given by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency and Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

"This change has been reflected in our online booking service."

COVID-19 vaccine and pregnancy

As part of continued efforts to encourage vaccine uptake among pregnant women, a Question and Answer Session will be held via Zoom on Friday 20th August at 10am, in association the Association of Voluntary Organisations (AVOW).

Stacey Jones, Matron of the COVID-19 Vaccination programme in North East Wales, will be available to discuss the latest information for pregnant women, and answer any questions.

Please visit the AVOW website to register.

COVID-19 vaccines are recommended in pregnancy and vaccination is the best way to protect against the known risks of COVID-19 for both women and babies. This includes protection from admission to intensive care for expectant mums and the premature birth of their baby.

There is no evidence to suggest that COVID-19 vaccines will affect fertility.

For trusted, up-to-date information on having the COVID-19 vaccine when pregnant or breastfeeding, please visit the website of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Vaccination Staff Recruitment Event

Ffion added: "Fancy playing a hands on role in Wales’ world-leading COVID-19 vaccine rollout? As we step up more of our business as usual services, some of our current vaccination staff are returning to their substantive roles.

"This has created opportunities for vaccinators and vaccinator assistants to join our teams, as we embark on a booster programme this autumn to administer an additional 400,000 doses across North Wales.

"Those interested in finding out more are invited to join our virtual recruitment event on Monday 23rd August. Further information will be posted on our website and social media channels in the coming days."