Half of North Wales adults have now had second Covid jab with 84 per cent receiving first

Around half of the adult population in North Wales have now had both doses of the coronavirus vaccine, the latest figures show.

Data released by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board also highlights 84 per cent of adults in the region have had their first dose, including 64 per-cent of 18-29 year-olds.

Health officials said they would continue to administer doses of the vaccine as soon as they are received.

The vaccine has now been offered to all eligible adults in North Wales and the 87,500 people who have yet to come forward to book an appointment are being urged to use the new online booking service.

Gill Harris, executive director of nursing and midwifery, said: “Thanks to the incredible efforts of our staff and volunteers, we are continuing to play a key role in Wales’ world leading vaccination rollout.

“In the coming weeks, we’ll be stepping up our efforts to ensure that nobody is left behind.

“Getting the remaining 15 per cent of our eligible population vaccinated before the Delta variant, or other variants of concern take hold, could have a significant impact on our ability to return to life as normal and continue to enjoy some of the freedoms that have recently been restored.

“This is especially important as we welcome tourists from across the UK during the summer months.

“Those aged 30-39 are a key target group, as take up is currently lowest among this age group.

“In the coming weeks we will send text messages and letters to the 87,500 people who have yet to book a first dose.

“We will also undertake radio advertising, a social media campaign, publish information in the local press, and carry out engagement with hard to reach groups in our communities.

“Our vaccination teams will continue to hold information sessions in local supermarkets, shopping centres and other areas of high footfall, in order to answer and address any questions or concerns people have about the COVID-19 vaccine.

“We will also be targeting communities where take up of the vaccine is lower than average.

“Please don’t worry if you’ve not been able to book your appointment just yet, or you turned down the vaccine when it was first offered and have since changed your mind.

“The door is always open and it’s not too late to change your mind.

“If you have any concerns about receiving the vaccine, please book and attend your appointment, so we can take the time to discuss any concerns you have, before you decide whether to go ahead.

“We are again appealing for people who are hesitant about receiving the vaccine to make an informed decision about whether to be vaccinated, based on the latest information from trusted sources. The Public Health Wales website is a great place to start.”