Second booster jabs to be rolled out in spring

A second Covid booster jab will be rolled out this spring, Wales’ Health Minister has announced.

Over-75s, care home residents and anyone over the age of 12 who is immunosuppressed will be offered the vaccine.

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

Mrs Morgan said: “As we know, getting vaccinated is the best course of action people can take to protect themselves from Covid-19 and it is pleasing to note that 70% of those eligible have now received a Covid-19 booster dose in Wales. Every vaccine given helps to keep Wales safe.”

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

Mrs Morgan continued: “Practically, because they were prioritised for vaccination at the start of the Covid-19 vaccine programme, older persons are also now furthest in time from their last vaccine dose. 

“I have accepted this advice and have asked health boards to plan for when they can start deployment.  

“Health boards are already planning to offer the vaccine to all five to 11-year-olds from mid-March onwards and they will now also be factoring in the need to prioritise a spring booster for the most vulnerable during this time.”

Mrs Morgan also said more details regarding the autumn vaccine programme for those particularly vulnerable to severe infection will be announced closer to the time and that the JCVI is constantly monitoring the situation.