THE health board has confirmed why people in their 20s are now also being offered a coronavirus vaccine before some people in their 40s.

In light of recent concerns about the small risk of blood clots, it has been advised that under-30s are to be offered an alternative to the AstraZeneca jab that is currently available – namely the Pfizer dose.

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery for BCUHB, said: “This week, to ensure our vaccine supply is administered as quickly as it is received, we will continue to run two streams for those aged 18-49.

“One will deliver the Pfizer vaccine to those under the age of 30, and one will deliver the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine to those aged between 30 and 49.

“We are adopting this pragmatic approach to ensure vaccines are not left for long periods unused.

“Those aged under 30 who have already received a first dose of the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine for health reasons will continue to receive a second dose of the same vaccine at the due time, as there have been no serious adverse events attributed to second doses of the Oxford vaccine.

“This is all consistent with advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

“If you have any concerns about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, please still attend your appointment so we can take the time to discuss these with you before you make a decision on whether or not to go ahead with vaccination.”

The latest figures, as of April 19, suggest that over 527,00 jabs have been delivered in North Wales.

Vaccination progress as at April 19, 2021:

  • Total vaccinations that have been administered in North Wales - 527,277
  • First dose vaccines – 375,467
  • Second dose vaccines – 151,810

The health board is currently contacting people aged 40-49 directly with an appointment to receive their first COVID-19 vaccine.

It is asked that people only contact the health board themselves if they wish to rearrange or cancel an appointment once you have received it.

Also, people should refrain from calling the vaccine hotline if unless they are in one of the groups described above and haven’t yet been able to take up a first appointment, and are unable to access the internet to complete the BCUHB online form.