We must prioritise getting the booster over Christmas plans

Responding to the latest review of Coronavirus regulations in Wales, Nesta Lloyd-Jones, assistant director of the Welsh NHS Confederation, said:

“It’s clear that we all need to be taking precautions wherever we can, both in the run up to Christmas and as the Omicron variant spreads further across Wales.

“As well as taking up the offer of vaccination when invited, there are measures we can all take to protect ourselves and our loved ones. This includes taking a lateral flow test before meeting up with people or going to busy places, remembering your mask and limiting the number of people you see as far as possible.

“In the face of this new challenge, the best way we can all protect ourselves and each other is to take up the offer of the booster vaccine when contacted. Given the rapid acceleration of the booster programme across Wales, we urge the public to prioritise attending your appointment above other plans over the festive period. If you do not attend, the likelihood is you will not be able to get your booster jab until January.

“While none of the existing pressures on the system have gone away, the immediate focus has adjusted to prioritise vaccinating as many people as quickly as possible. This has involved the redeployment of staff from other areas, pausing some non-urgent services and receiving support from partners, such as the military and volunteers.

“We’d like to thank everyone who continues to go above and beyond to keep people safe, including already-stretched staff across the NHS who will be working over the Christmas period.”