Nearly one tenth of population now vaccinated

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The rate at which the Welsh population is being vaccinated has increased over the last fortnight as issues with supply have eased and more GP surgeries have started vaccinating.

As of data published on Tuesday, January 26, 289,566 people across Wales had received the first dose of a vaccine.

That number means more than 9% of the Welsh population have received a first dose.

In the Aneurin Bevan Health Board (ABUHB), 48,841 people had received a vaccine as of Monday, January 25, including over 14,000 frontline health staff, 20,471 people aged 80 and over, and 5,328 staff and residents of adult care homes.

Within the health board, 72 GP practices are now giving out vaccines. On Tuesday, January 26, ABUHB confirmed mobile vaccinations have started for people who are unable to leave their homes.

The Welsh Government had committed to the target of vaccinating 70% of people aged over 80 by Sunday, January 24, however it has now admitted it failed to hit that target.

Speaking at First Minister’s Questions, Mark Drakeford blamed snow and ice for only 52.8% of over-80s having received a first dose as of Tuesday, January 26.

The government’s decision to space out the doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine also continues to cause controversy.

Pfizer-BioNTech, which produces one of the two vaccines currently in circulation in Wales, recommends a second dose three weeks after the first in order to provide maximum immunity.

The UK and Welsh Governments have taken the decision to administer the second jab up to twelve weeks later, opting to vaccinate as many people as possible with the doses they currently have available.

Dr David Bailey, chairman of the BMA’s Welsh Council, said doctors in Wales are “extremely concerned” by the Welsh Government’s decision to delay the second dose of the vaccine.

He said there was no evidence about how effective a second dose would be after 12 weeks, adding: “This is entirely unacceptable and potentially dangerous for both staff and patients.”

Responding to the criticism, Health Minister Vaughan Gething said the decision has the backing of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and the UK’s four Chief Medical Officers.

ABUHB has confirmed it has 22,150 doses of vaccines available for the week beginning January 25, meaning it has begun inviting people in priority group three (those aged 75 to 79) for their first jabs.