Closing the Shielding Patient List and Vaccination Updates
The End of the Shielding List
Last week we learned that as of 31st March 2022 the Shielding Patient List will close. Based on the recommendation by the Chief Medical Officer for Wales, the Minister for Health and Social Services announced the decision on March 10th.
The list was developed almost two years ago, and we have learned a lot about the virus since then. The vaccinations and vaccine roll out has changed the course of the pandemic and is having a considerable effect on the link between coronavirus and serious illness. We are in a hopeful position thanks to access to new treatments, treatments which can also prevent serious illness, especially for people who are clinically vulnerable.
To read the full written statements regarding the closure of the Shielding Patient List please use the links below.
English: https://gov.wales/written-statement-new-approach-helping-clinically-vulnerable
Spring Boosters and 5-11 year old Vaccinations
A new phase of the vaccination programme begins this week. It has been announced that the over-75s, older care home residents and individuals aged 12 years and over, who are immunosuppressed, will be invited for boosters.
Children aged 5 – 11 years will also begin being offered their first vaccination from March 15th. The programme plan is to offer most 5 – 11 year old children 2 doses of the vaccine, 12 weeks apart. Local authorities will be arranging for a letter for parents to go out to schools this week, parents and guardians will need to consent to children ages 5 – 11 having the vaccine.
Health boards are offering this age group their first vaccination appointments. This is an offer to increase their immunity against severe COVID-19 in advance of a potential future wave and to minimise further disruption to their education.
Health Minister Eluned 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. “
“We are following the latest advice from the JCVI and would everyone who is eligible to wait for the offer of their spring booster.”
Read the full announcement using the links below.
English: https://gov.wales/spring-rollout-boosters-begins-wales-week
Cymraeg: https://llyw.cymru/cymrun-dechrau-rhoi-brechiadau-atgyfnerthu-ar-gyfer-y-gwanwyn-or-wythnos-hon