VISITORS to North Wales is expected to be 'far in excess' of previous years as the vaccination programme continues.

The Betsi Cadwaladr health board has issued its latest vaccination update as 91 per cent of all eligible adults in the region have been offered a first dose.

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery, said: "Despite the very warm weather, our vaccination clinics are continuing to welcome hundreds of people through their doors each day.

"Ninety one per cent of eligible adults in North Wales have now had a first dose, while almost seventy five per cent have been fully vaccinated with both doses.

"It has taken a huge team effort to get to this point, and we are extremely grateful for the dedication and hard work of our vaccination staff, primary care contractors, volunteers, and staff in partner organisations.

"This week marks the start of the summer holidays and with news that North Wales is the UK’s most popular destination for holidaymakers, we expect the number of visitors to the region to be far in excess of that seen in previous years.

"This is already placing significant additional pressure on our services and it is highly likely to lead to a marked increase in cases of the Delta variant.

"The best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, NHS services and local businesses is to have both doses of the vaccine and continue to follow the latest public health advice."

COVID-19 vaccination for children and young people

This week the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) has advised that children at increased risk of becoming seriously unwell with COVID-19 are offered the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine. That includes children aged 12 to 15 with severe neurodisabilities, Down’s syndrome, immunosuppression and multiple or severe learning disabilities.

The JCVI also recommends that children and young people aged 12 to 17 who live with an immunosuppressed person should be offered the vaccine.

Gill Harris said they are currently planning how they can deliver the vaccine to these younger people in the most efficient way. Further information on plans will be included in next week’s vaccination update.

Getting your first or second dose is now easier than ever

Getting your first or second dose jab (after six weeks) at a convenient date, time and location is now easier than ever using our online booking service.

If you cannot access the internet to book online, please phone the COVID-19 Vaccination Contact Centre on 03000 840004. The lines can be very busy, so please be patient.

The following vaccination clinics are also accepting walk ins without an appointment, where supply allows:

• Bangor Cathedral (LL57 1LH)

8.30am – 7pm every day apart from Wednesday and Sunday

• Deeside Mass Vaccination Centre (CH5 1SA)

9am – 6pm Tuesday - Sunday during July

• Catrin Finch Centre (Wrexham LL11 2HS)

9am – 6pm Tuesday - Sunday during July

• Venue Cymru (Llandudno LL30 1BB)

08:30 – 7:15pm Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday

• OpTic Centre (St Asaph Business Park LL17 0JD)

09:30 – 5:15pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Sunday

• Coed Pella (Conwy Road, Colwyn Bay LL29 7AZ)

09:30 – 6pm Monday

We are also holding mobile ‘pop up’ vaccination clinics targeting areas of high footfall. These will increase in frequency over the coming weeks, thanks to the acquisition of three mobile clinic vehicles.