A MASS vaccination centre will continue to accept walk-ins as the health board aims to ensure they ‘leave nobody behind’.
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board (CAVUHB) hit their milestone of inviting all adults aged 18 and over to receive their first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on May 30.
A spokesperson for health board said: “Our vaccination programme has moved at pace, which is a huge testament to the work of our vaccination team and our Team Wales colleagues.
“We have invited all our adult population to attend a vaccination appointment but are aware some people may have been missed for a number of reasons, and we are now working hard to ensure we leave nobody behind.”
Over the bank holiday weekend Bayside Mass Vaccination Centre operated on a walk-in basis, with thousands attending.
Due to the success of this, Bayside MVC has extended drop-ins until at least Sunday (June 6) when they will assess whether to continue offering this service.
The health board’s head of operations testing and mass immunisation, Tracy Meredith, said: “We’re not finished – we’re working hard to ensure nobody is missed.
“Over the bank holiday weekend, the Bayside mass vaccination centre was used as a drop-in and more than 2,000 people attended. It was apparent some had been missed as they weren’t registered with a GP.
“People should get vaccinated because it’s the best protection from this awful virus.
“I know some people have anxieties about it and we are here to alleviate these anxieties.”
She also thanked volunteers for their role in the vaccination effort, saying: “Volunteers have been imperative in the vaccination effort.
“They’re a part of the team, we rely on them to meet and greet and to make people feel comfortable. It’s nice that they take the time to chat with people, especially for those with anxieties. The volunteers have been fantastic.
“Thank you to the massive team effort everyone put in, which meant that he vaccine was delivered [in Cardiff and the Vale] earlier than expected.”
She added that – even if vaccinated – people should follow government guidelines to protect those not yet vaccinated.
The health board is offering the AstraZeneca vaccine to people aged 40+ or those who were housebound in the early stages of the Covid pandemic.
Those under the age of 40 will be offered the Pfizer vaccine – this is in line with guidance and also based on vaccine availability.
Bayside MVC is on Olympian Drive in Cardiff.
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