The Leader announced that new information had been received from Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board concerning the roll-out of the coronavirus vaccination programme.  As of 17 January, 21,857 people have been vaccinated across the Cwm Taf region.  For Bridgend County Borough, this breaks down as 3,693 people, with 1,461 vaccinations administered through GP surgeries, 1,715 through vaccination centres, and 517 through local care homes.  While not included in the local authority area figures, hospital vaccination centres across the region have accounted for a further 11,377 people.  The council is continuing to work closely with the health board, and is supporting the roll-out of the vaccine in Bridgend County Borough.

The health board has provided further information indicating that they intend to vaccinate a further 22,834 residents across the region this week, 6,913 of which are Bridgend County Borough residents.  This will include 593 vaccinations in a total of seven care homes, with 3,980 doses delivered by GP practices and 2,340 provided within a vaccination centre.  Vaccinations are targeting the most vulnerable and exposed members of the community in a series of priority groupings which have been determined on a UK-wide basis by the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation.  As an immediate priority, the initial roll-out is restricted to staff and residents at care homes, frontline health and social care staff, and people in local communities who are aged over 80. 

All local GP surgeries have signed up to take part in the vaccination programme, and people are being contacted directly when it is their turn to receive the vaccination.  The Leader requested Members explain this to residents, and encouraging them not to tie up resources by enquiring about it at pharmacies and GP surgeries.  The system has been designed to prevent ‘queue jumping’, so nobody should attempt to attend a vaccination centre without having an appointment in place to do so. When it is our turn, we will be contacted with details of where and when to go.

He informed Members that residents also need to be alert for scammers who have been taking advantage of the situation to try and trick people, especially the elderly, into handing over confidential information, or to even pay for a fake inoculation.  These criminals are knocking on doors and are sending professional-looking texts and emails, and he asked Members to remind constituents that the NHS will never ask for payment as the vaccine is free to receive.  They will also not turn up at your home unannounced, and will not ask for your bank details or for you to prove your identity by sending copies of personal documents, such as a passport.

As the effects of the vaccine may not be seen nationally for many months, the advice on keeping Wales safe remains the same, to keep a two-metre distance from others, wash hands regularly, and wear a face covering where required.  Mobile testing facilities remain fully available in Bridgend County Borough for anyone who is experiencing symptoms of coronavirus, and further details of these can be found at the council, Cwm Taf and Welsh Government websites.

He was aware that Members have been enquiring about the vaccination roll-out across the county borough, and he hoped that these figures have provided with a greater insight into the progress of the programme.  He would bring further details as the situation continues to develop.