GP surgeries not taking part in booster vaccine programme due to 'unprecedented demand'

The Covid vaccination programme is continuing as the Betsi Cadwaladr health board has begun offering the vaccine to healthy 12-15 year-olds whilst also stepping up efforts to offer booster jabs to the vulnerable.

However, due to unprecedented demand, the majority of GP surgeries will not be taking part in the booster programme which means people may need to travel 'slightly further' to receive their jab.

Ffion Johnstone – West Area Director said: "During the initial rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine, we were incredibly grateful for the expertise of our primary care partners, whose support ensured that many people were able to receive their first and second dose jabs at their local GP surgery.

"Primary care services are currently facing unprecedented demand, as well as the challenge of administering flu jabs to people across the region.

"Although we are using a smaller number of vaccination locations, we are well placed to roll the booster vaccine out at speed.

"Please don’t contact your GP surgery to enquire about your booster jab, unless you have been invited to do so. You will be contacted by the health board by letter and text message when it is your turn."

The COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre is currently experiencing a high volume of calls from people enquiring about their booster vaccine, or wishing to reschedule an appointment.

Ffion added: "Please help us get the vaccine into people’s arms as quickly as possible by waiting for an appointment invitation in the post. If you haven’t received an appointment, our COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre will not be able to book one for you.

"Once you receive an appointment, please make every effort to keep to it.

"As we enter the winter months, we want to remind people that it’s not too late to come forward for a first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s also vitally important that those who have had their first dose receive their second, eight weeks later, in order to receive the very best protection."

More information on who is eligible for first, second and booster dose vaccines, and how they can receive their jab(s), can be found online.

Booster jab eligibility and the six-month interval

The JCVI recommends that people most vulnerable to serious infection should be offered a COVID-19 booster vaccine, if a minimum of six months have passed since their second dose.

Please note that this does not mean that people should expect a booster jab appointment as soon as six months have passed since their second dose.

In line with JCVI guidance, the health board is inviting those eligible for a booster jab based on the same priority order as the first phase, provided at least six months have passed since their second dose.

Those who are eligible are being urged to be patient and remember that there is no need to contact to book an appointment. You will be contacted directly when it is your turn.