More people than ever in North Wales came forward for a flu vaccine over winter

More people than ever across North Wales came forward for their flu vaccine over the winter.

A total of more than 316,000 flu vaccines have been administered by GP practices, community pharmacists, district and school nurses since September – with more over-65s than ever receiving their jab.

Around 132,000 or almost 80% of older people took up the offer, helping to make Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board one of the top-performing areas in Wales.

The performance came amidst the huge COVID-19 vaccination effort, which has seen more than 425,000 people across the health board area receive a booster since September.

Winter 2021/22 saw Wales’ largest ever flu vaccination programme, with the programme extended to cover over 50s and all those in secondary school in years 7-11.

This was alongside those with certain underlying health conditions, pregnant women and primary school children.

Flu vaccines are still available, and the health board continues to encourage anyone in a priority group to get vaccinated.

Executive director of public health Teresa Owen thanked members of the public for coming forward for their vaccination, and praised all those involved in the delivery of the programme.

“On behalf of the health board, I would like to thank our colleagues from GP surgeries, community pharmacies, school and district nursing teams and all our partners for their extraordinary efforts in delivering this season’s flu vaccination campaign,” she said.

“As a direct result of their commitment and expertise, more people than ever have been vaccinated against flu in North Wales this season – including the highest number of over-65s on record.

“While we have not seen a high prevalence of flu this winter, there is still potential for increases in the number of flu cases during the spring and early summer. We would urge anyone from the priority groups who has not had their free flu vaccine to come forward.”

Many GP surgeries and community pharmacies will continue to offer flu vaccinations until the end of March.

Everyone aged over 50, health and care workers, people with a long-term health condition, pregnant women and children aged between 2 and 18 are all eligible for free flu vaccination.