Letters are being sent to all residents in Bridgend county borough with important information about the Covid-19 vaccination programme.
The joint letter from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board’s Chief Executive Paul Mears and the Leader Huw David explains how the vaccine will be made available and how appointments will work.
Those who are most at risk of serious illness if they catch coronavirus will get the vaccine first. This includes people living in care homes, the over-80s and frontline health and care workers.
In the weeks since the first vaccine – made by Pfizer-BioNTech – became available, more than 35,000 people across Wales have received the jab.
As more supplies of the vaccines are delivered, more clinics will be set up this month. Some GP practices in the area have already received the new Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and are inviting patients to attend appointments.
Residents will be invited to have the vaccine when it’s their turn and can choose whether to have it or not. Information about the jab will be given to help people make up their mind if they have any concerns.
Everyone will get two doses of the vaccine – after having your first dose, you will be called back for your second 12 weeks later.
Cllr David said: “The new coronavirus vaccines offer a glimmer of hope for us after a difficult year but it will take some time to protect everyone. I would urge everyone offered an appointment to take the opportunity to help protect themselves from this deadly virus.
“As the vaccination programme is rolled out, we all need to follow the rules and keep ourselves and our families safe by meeting as few people as possible, washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering and keeping our distance from others.
“Please do not contact your GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital to ask when you will have the vaccine – when it’s your turn, you will be invited.
“We all hope the vaccine will lead to a better and brighter 2021 and an end to this awful pandemic. Thank you once again for continuing to follow the rules and staying at home to protect the NHS.”
For more information about the Covid-19 vaccines, please visit the Public Health Wales webpage.