PEOPLE in some higher priority vaccine groups who have not yet received their first jab have been urged to avoid being “left behind” and contact a booking centre.

Those who are classed as extremely clinically vulnerable or over the age of 70 should have received their first vaccination under Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s roll-out programme.

Dr Chris Stockport, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board’s (BCUHB) Covid-19 lead, said the health board is working to ensure that people in priority groups receive their vaccine at the right time.

“Our vaccination teams and primary care partners have worked incredibly hard over recent weeks and we can all be rightly proud that Wales was the first UK nation to vaccinate more than 20 per cent of its population,” he said.

“We need the public’s help to ensure that nobody gets left behind. If you are over the age of 70 or you have previously received a formal letter from the Welsh Government advising you to shield because you are clinically extremely vulnerable, and you haven’t received your first coronavirus vaccination appointment, please contact the Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Centre to book your appointment.

“We’d also ask that friends, family and neighbours of people who fall into these priority groups check in with them, to ensure they have received their first appointment.

“Our vaccination teams are working through the priority groups and want to ensure everyone is offered an appointment in turn. We know it can be an anxious time but we are absolutely committed to ensuring that nobody gets left behind.”

BCUBHB has introduced additional staffing at its vaccination booking centre to deal with an increased volume of calls during daily opening hours from 8am to 5pm. The centre is currently reserved for people aged 70 or over or who are clinically extremely vulnerable.

“We ask that people are patient with us and persevere if it takes a little longer than expected to get through,” said Dr Stockport.

“If you are not in these priority groups, then we would not be able to book your appointment just yet as that would mean somebody at greater risk being delayed.

“From time to time, if we have cancellations or more vaccine supplied than expected, we may phone people in priority groups to offer them a short-notice appointment. Please be aware of this if you generally do not answer calls from numbers you do not recognise.

“If you are unable to accept a short notice appointment then you will still be offered an alternative, suitable appointment.”

Contact the Covid-19 Vaccination Booking Centre to book your appointment on 03000 840004.