A 'TEMPORARY dip' in vaccine supply will not affect the vaccination target, the health minister has said.

Speaking at the Welsh Government press conference on Monday, Vaughan Gething said the first target of vaccinating the top four priority groups had been achieved.

But they will 'not stop there' as the NHS will continue to ensure nobody is 'left behind'.

They have now moved on to the next target of vaccinating priority groups five to nine by Spring.

Mr Gething said they will factor in the 'temporary slowdown' of vaccine supply over the next couple of weeks, but that has been worked into the plans.

He said second doses will not be delayed and they are 'on track' to offer the vaccine to everyone in groups five to nine by the end of April.

When asked about planned temporary vaccine closures and whether any in North Wales will need to close due to supply issues, the health minister said it is down to each area.

He added that each health board will set out how they are going to manage the 'dip in supply', which may mean some centres are closed.

The health minister said each health board will have to manage that, while also managing second doses but they expect to see a return to increased levels of supply in March.

Then, Mr Gething said, they will also be making greater use of pharmacies.

He went on to say that they are yet to maximise their ability to vaccinate yet, and can go even faster with more vaccine.

Despite the supply decrease, tens of thousands of people will still be vaccinated, he reassured.