BETSI Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) has announced that it has now administered more than 1.5 million vaccinations to people living or working in North Wales.

In its latest vaccination update, BCUHB Executive Director of Integrated Clinical Delivery Gill Harris revealed that the significant milestone was reached this week.

She said: "This is a testament to the continued hard work and dedication of our staff and volunteers who have made the vaccination programme a success. We would like to once again thank everyone for their support on behalf of the people of North Wales.

"We have now administered a booster jab to more than 80 per cent of those eligible. All of this has been critical in our response to the pandemic so far to protect our communities and NHS services against COVID-19."

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has recommended offering two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to 5 to 11 year olds with certain underlying health conditions and those who are a household contact of someone who is immunosuppressed.

In the first instance, BCUHB say they will be contacting those children with underlying health conditions, about 2,000 across North Wales, by telephone from this week to arrange appointment.

BCUHB are also once again appealing to pregnant women to come forward for their COVID-19 vaccine.

Based on the data about safety, together with the increased risk from COVID-19 the JCVI has advised that pregnant women should be considered as a clinical risk group.

Gill Harris added: "We strongly encourage all mothers to be to attend one of our drop-in clinics across North Wales or book an appointment online.

"The JCVI have also previously announced that individuals who are immunosuppressed should receive a third primary dose of vaccination.

"We have been working closely with clinicians to identify relevant individuals and determine whether a third or booster dose needs to be administered at a specific point within their treatment cycles, or whether there is a need to delay medication in order to ensure the greatest positive immune response to the vaccine.

"The majority of those identified do not need specific timing and they will receive a letter of appointment for their third primary dose."

"You are always welcome if you change your mind to come forwards and be vaccinated, we still have the staff in place and vaccines available for people who haven’t had their first, second, third or booster doses.

"It is important to make sure you protect yourself, your families and our NHS services from COVID-19 so we would urge to book their appointments as soon as possible."