Spring booster vaccine rollout getting underway

The Spring Covid-19 booster vaccine rollout is getting underway in Wales this week.

People aged 75 and over, older care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed are now being invited for their vaccine.

Health Minister Eluned Morgan said the decision was made following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

Evidence from the JCVI suggests as immunity wains over time, the risk to older and more vulnerable people of experiencing severe symptoms increases.

It is advised that the spring booster is taken around six months after the last vaccine dose to maintain high levels of immunity in those deemed most vulnerable to Covid.

Children aged between five and 11 will also start receiving their first vaccinations this week as well, providing there is parental consent.

Children in this age group will be offered two vaccine doses, 12 weeks apart.

Mrs Morgan said: “It is important we maintain high levels of protection from Covid-19 and everyone who is offered a spring booster vaccination takes up the invitation.”