Booster roll-out continues at OpTIC Centre in St Asaph despite late night vandalism

The OpTIC Centre in St Asaph was welcoming appointees for their jabs from 8.30am on Thursday morning (December 16), despite 17 windows being smashed.

While scene of crime officers collected forensic evidence after the incident, volunteers set up for the day to ensure they could continue protecting the population.

Teleri Roberts, nurse manager of the Covid vaccination programme at the OpTIC Centre, said: “The service is carrying on as normal despite the inappropriate actions – and that is putting things mildly - of a certain individual.

Damage at the site

“We’ve risked assessed the entrance and exit of appointees, to manage people’s safety while in the building.

“We would encourage people to stick to their time slot and honour their appointments arranged but be advised this is not a drop-in clinic.

“The staff here have done a magnificent job. We will continue to make sure the population is protected and can access their Covid vaccinations as safely and as quickly as possible.”

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has administered about 1.3m vaccinations of first, second, third (for immunosuppressed) and booster doses.

BCUHB was the first health board in Wales to launch online bookings for the vaccine booster jab and is also sending texts and letters to people informing them of their appointments.

If anyone does not yet have an appointment, is over 18 years of age and it has been at least three months since their second Covid vaccination, a booster jab can be booked here.

Police confirmed a man had been arrested after the attack on the OpTIC Centre.

A spokesman for the force said: “We received a call at 11.41pm last night (Wednesday) reporting an ongoing incident at the OpTIC building on Ffordd William Morgan, St Asaph.

“Officers attended and a 58 year old man from Llanddulas was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage.

"He remains in custody, and our inquiries are ongoing.”