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Those eligible for a Covid-19 vaccination have been urged to come forward and have the jab this spring.

Public Health Wales is warning that the virus has not gone away, and can still pose a serious health risk to older people and those with weakened immune systems.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), the Covid-19 vaccine is being offered to the following groups of people this spring:

• People aged 75 and above;
• Residents in a care home for older adults;
• Individuals aged six months or older who have a weakened immune system because of a health condition or medical treatment.     

The spring vaccination programme is running until the end of June, with those eligible being sent invitations by their local health board. In Caerphilly County Borough, this would be the Aneurin Bevan University of Health Board.

Dr Christopher Johnson, head of the Vaccine Preventable Disease Programme at Public Health Wales, said: “Even if you’ve had the Covid-19 vaccine before, strains of viruses change, and protection from vaccines can reduce over time.

“That’s why it is important for those who are most at risk to extend their protection by getting the latest vaccine that is offered.”

He continued: “The chance of becoming seriously ill with Covid-19 is greatly reduced by vaccination.  

“Getting the vaccine when offered is still one of the best ways of protecting yourselves.” 

Professor Isabel Oliver, who was appointed Wales’ chief medical officer earlier this year, stressed that the virus is “still present in our communities and continues to post a health risk to the most vulnerable people”.

Visit Public Health Wales’ website for more information on how to get the vaccine.