Eluned Morgan, Minister for Health and Social Services
I will be publishing our COVID-19 vaccination programme update today. The next update will be published at the end of August and in the new term these updates will be released fortnightly.
Over 4.2 million COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered in Wales. Three quarters of people in Wales have had both doses of the coronavirus vaccine. Over 90% of adults in Wales have had a first dose of COVID-19 vaccination and 78% have also had their second dose. This is incredible progress but please keep asking your friends and family if they have had the vaccine and encourage them to come forward and get both doses. Vaccination centres across many parts of Wales are open for walk-in appointments to make it easier for you to access the vaccine.
Last week the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) published their advice on the vaccination of children and young people. The NHS is working quickly to identify and arrange appointments for the children and young people who should be offered a vaccine.
Once again, I would like to thank all those involved in our COVID-19 vaccination programme for their unrelenting commitment and hard work, as well as thanking the Welsh Public for taking up their vaccine to keep themselves and their families safe. Vaccines remain the best way out of this pandemic. The success of the vaccination programme is a key factor in our ability to release restrictions and the vaccine continues to be the best way to prevent serious illness and the spread of COVID-19.
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 so.