All eligible adults across Wales offered first dose of coronavirus vaccine six weeks ahead of schedule, health minister announces

All eligible across Wales will have been offered a coronavirus vaccine by today – six weeks ahead of schedule.

Over 2,213,000 first dose vaccines have been carried out across Wales since the rollout began in December 2020. A total of 1,378,010 people have been fully vaccinated.

In North Wales Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board confirmed on Friday that 300,000 adults across the region have now received both doses of a vaccine.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan has thanked Wales’ “fantastic vaccination teams” as she confirmed that all eligible adults in Wales will have been offered a vaccine by today – six weeks ahead of the Welsh Government’s schedule.

She is also urging anyone who has changed their mind about having a vaccine to make an appointment as part of Wales’ “no one left behind” policy.

All health boards have systems in place to enable people to get an appointment if they think they have been missed of the list or if they have changed their mind.

Vaccination clinics across Wales are accelerating second doses amid growing concerns about the spread of the delta variant of the virus across the UK.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan said: “Wales is leading the world when it comes to the percentage of our population who have been vaccinated.

“I’m delighted that today we have reached the milestone of offering all eligible adults their first dose – six weeks ahead of schedule.

“This is a remarkable achievement and I want to thank everyone involved for their incredible efforts. However, we are not being complacent – I want to encourage younger adults to take up this offer of the vaccine and we don’t want to see anyone left behind.

“We are keen to see 18 to 39-year-olds vaccinated and hope to reach our milestone of 75% take-up in this age group by the end of this month.

“Please take up your vaccine appointment; it offers protection to you, your loved ones and your communities and it is our best route out of the pandemic.”

Jenny Spreafico, Immunisation Co-ordinator for Powys Teaching Health Board and a school nurse by background, added: “I want to thank everyone who has done their bit and come forward to get their vaccine so far, and I want to encourage anyone who hasn’t yet to come forward for yours.

“If you can’t attend, contact your health board to rearrange so no dose is wasted. More than 85% of people in Wales have had their first dose.

“Your vaccine offer will not expire – if you need more information, the Public Health Wales website can help. Getting the vaccine protects you, your friends and family – and your community.”