Over 240,000 vaccines administered across North Wales – however supplies set to be “lower this week”

More than 240,000 vaccines have been administered across north Wales, however supplies are set to be lower this week due to production levels.

Betsi Cadwaladwr University Health Board has give out out more vaccines than any other health board across Wales since the process began just over 12 weeks ago.

So far 240,092 COVID-19 vaccines have been administered – which breaks down to 216,248 first doses and 23,844 second doses.

The vaccination process is currently focusing on priority groups 1-6, with the health board stating it on track to meet the Welsh Government milestone of offering all the top nine groups a vaccine by April 19. However this is subject to supplies.

Supply issues are expected across the region over the next week, with the number of vaccines being provided to all health boards set to be lower than they were at the start of the programme.

Gill Harris, deputy chief executive, said: “This week we will receive a total of 35,870 vaccines (16,830 of the Pfizer vaccine and 19,040 AstraZeneca).

“The Pfizer vaccines will again be used primarily for second doses. We expect to see an increase in AstraZeneca vaccine supply from next week onwards.

“GP surgeries that have vaccinated 80 per cent of their patients aged 65-69 (Priority Group 5) will now begin to offer vaccination to all individuals aged 16-64 years with underlying health conditions (Priority Group 6).

“Following last week’s announcements from the Joint Council for Vaccination and Immunisation and the Welsh Government, people with learning disabilities, severe mental illness and unpaid carers are now included in Priority Group 6.

“We are working with the Welsh Government, Local Authorities and GPs to ensure that this cohort are identified and invited for vaccination in a timely manner.

“Letters are also being sent out to those in Priority Group 7 offering them appointments later this month.

“Following a successful pilot in Dwyfor, more community pharmacies across north Wales are now joining the vaccination programme.”