THE Executive Medical Director of North Wales' health board is urging under 40's in the region to get their booster vaccines as Omicron cases continue to rise.

To date, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has administered more than 374,000 booster jabs across North Wales.

This has provided important additional protection to 76 per cent of the eligible population.

However, they are now urging others under the age of 40 to come forward and get vaccinated. BCUHB say it is 'vital' they get many more people vaccinated in the coming days ahead of an anticipated peak in the number of Omicron cases towards the end of this month.

Executive Medical Director Dr Nick Lyons added: "In common with the rest of the country, take up booster jabs in North Wales is much lower than we would like among those aged under 40. I urge those in this age group to come forward without delay.

"Remember, two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine do not offer strong protection against symptomatic infection from the Omicron variant. A booster jab will build your antibodies – providing up to 70 per cent protection.

"Don’t be complacent at news that Omicron is a milder form of the COVID-19 virus. Getting your booster will reduce your risk of spreading the virus to those with weakened immune systems, for whom catching COVID-19 could have very serious consequences.

"We had the staff in place to administer a booster to all eligible adults before the end of the year, but take up was lower than we would like during the last week of December. We know that many people weren’t able to have their vaccine because they currently have COVID-19 or they have tested positive within the last 28 days.

"Others may have delayed coming forward because of concerns about experiencing side effects over the Christmas period. Remember, side effects from the COVID-19 vaccine are usually very mild and not everyone gets them.

"If you’re eligible for your first, second or booster dose, please don’t delay any longer. We have staff ready to vaccinate you at drop-in clinics across North Wales. You can also book an appointment online for some clinics."

BCUHB say you are likely to experience very minimal queueing – so could be vaccinated in as little as five minutes.

If you have received an appointment invitation for a booster jab by text message or letter and you wish to be vaccinated sooner, as long as it has been 91 days since your second dose and you have not had COVID-19 within 28 days, you can get your jab by attending any of our drop in clinics.