All residents and staff at Cysgod Y Gaer in Corwen have had their first doses of the vaccine

All residents and staff at Cysgod Y Gaer in Corwen have had their first doses of the vaccine over the last few weeks, while staff and residents in Dolwen have started having their first doses.

The vaccines for residents were administered by staff from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board at the care homes this week.

Charles Griffiths gets his vaccination at Cysgod Y Gaer care home, Corwen.

PIC: Charles Griffiths receiving his vaccine at Cysgod y Gaer care home, Corwen.

Staff were invited to book appointments at Llandudno's Venue Cymru over the last two weeks in order to receive their vaccines.

Cllr Bobby Feeley, the Council’s Lead Member for Well-being and Independence, said: “I would like to thank all care staff in Denbighshire who have worked incredibly hard to keep people safe from Covid-19. The vaccine is a welcome tool in fighting this disease, however, we all must still be vigilant and follow the guidance from Welsh Government even after we have had the vaccination.

“Throughout the pandemic we have been working to ensure staff and residents in our care homes remain safe and it is fantastic to see staff and residents at our Council-run care homes being vaccinated with their first doses.

“With infection rates rising and a new strain of the virus, now is a critical time during the pandemic and it is important that everyone follows the guidance to help protect the most vulnerable in our society.

“This includes following social distancing rules, working from home if you can, to stay at home and not to travel without reasonable excuse.”

Sian Owen, Care Home Manager at Cysgod Y Gaer, said: “Our residents and staff were very pleased to have the vaccine. It is a positive and very much welcome step forward for our residents and staff. We feel there is a glimmer of hope and it provides a boost to staff morale.”

It has been confirmed that North Wales will be home to at least 20 vaccination sites in weeks to come.

The region already has its Mass Vaccination Centres (MVCs) that are located at the three rainbow hospitals – which are based in Bangor, Deeside and Llandudno.

However, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) says it will also utilise its Hospital Vaccination Centres (HVCs) at Ysbyty Gwynedd, Glan Clwyd Hospital and Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

To boost this, there are also going to be local vaccination centres (LVCs) that will help make the vaccine more accessible when people are called to receive their COVID-19 jab.

Among these sites will be Denbigh Community Centre and Bala Leisure Centre.