What lessons has the Welsh Government learnt from the roll out of vaccines in rural areas, including access to vaccines particularly for vulnerable people, and are these lessons being implemented as we move to rollout the booster jab programme across Dwyfor Meirionnydd?
Whilst Welsh Government retains overall responsibility for the COVID-19 vaccination programme, individual health boards are responsible for arranging vaccinations for their local populations using an appropriate model for their local area. These Vaccination delivery models vary by health board, predominantly based on geography and population density. Mass vaccination sites are being used in areas of higher population density, but in rural and hard to reach areas some health boards have adopted smaller local site models which enable vaccines to be delivered closer to the communities that they serve.
The JCVI recommended vaccine for the booster programme has meant that Health Boards have had to adapt their approach and develop agile plans to meet the significant requirements whilst minimising impact on business as usual across healthcare settings. BCU are continuing to work closely with community pharmacies in Dwyfor to support the local population and continue to monitor within their local area to identity where take up has been low and can target local delivery through the use of mobile vaccination clinics.