Eluned Morgan MS, Minister for Health and Social Services
The Chief Medical Officer for Wales is writing to everyone on the Shielding Patient List to provide them with updated advice about the new, fast-moving omicron variant.
In addition to advising them about how they can minimise their risk of catching the virus, the letter will emphasise the importance of having the booster vaccine; provide the latest advice about testing, including our “flow before you go” message and highlight the new medications available to people with certain conditions who test positive for Covid-19.
This is a worrying time for all of us, especially for those people who are at increased risk from the virus. However, there are many more protections in place now than there were when the shielding list was first created at the start of the pandemic.
Having the full course of Covid-19 vaccines, including the third primary dose for people who are severely immuno-suppressed, followed by a booster vaccine, is the best defence available to all of us. It is vital we make getting the vaccine, including the booster, a priority.
This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do that.