THE first doses of the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine have been delivered to patients by Cardigan Health Centre.

The centre has initially received a very small number of vaccines, with priority given to people in care homes. Nine patients from the most vulnerable over-80s group were also called in to the surgery to receive their jabs yesterday (Thursday, January 15).

First to receive her vaccine at the health centre was 88-year-old Kathleen Harris, from Pen y Bryn,

Kathleen, who has two sons, six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, jumped at the chance to be first to be vaccinated.

Granddaughter Louise said: “There was no apprehension at all - she was excited, even more so when she found out she was the first.

“She would recommend the highly professional staff at Cardigan Health Centre and encourages everyone that is able to receive the jab to do so. She feels very lucky to be the very first to receive it in our street and local community.

“She can’t wait to get back out and about in nature - Cilgerran Wildlife Park is her favourite place to walk - have her hair cut and enjoy a coffee in Cardigan,”

Practice manager Jen Jones said it was hoped the health centre would receive a larger batch of the vaccine next week and would start a larger-scale roll-out following national guidelines issued by Public Health Wales.

The practice has just over 10,000 patients on its list.

“Cardigan Health Centre is working with Hywel Dda University Health Board on a plan to roll out the vaccination of patients with the Astra Zeneca/Oxford vaccine,” said Jen.

“Following national guidance, we will initially be contacting patients who are 80 years or older.

“Please be patient with us while we work with the health board to deliver this first phase of the public vaccination programme.

“We will contact you by phone or by letter as soon as we have vaccine supplies to offer.

“Please also be aware of scams surrounding the Covid vaccine. The vaccine is free on the NHS and Cardigan Health Centre would never ask you for any bank details.”

She also appealed to patients not to call the surgery to try to book an appointment for the vaccine.

“I can fully understand people’s concerns and that they are eager to get the vaccine as soon as possible,” added Jen.

“But please do not call the surgery about the vaccine as this can delay access to the surgery for patients who need medical attention.”

Public Health Wales says the vaccine will be offered to those who are most at risk first.

The groups to be prioritised to receive a Covid-19 vaccine first are decided by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) at a UK level. This is based on knowledge around who is most at risk from Covid-19.

This priority list is as follows:

  • 1 Residents in a care home for older adults and their carers
  • 2 All those 80 years of age and over and frontline health and social care workers
  • 3 All those 75 years of age and over
  • 4 All those 70 years of age and over and clinically extremely vulnerable individuals
  • 5 All those 65 years of age and over
  • 6 All individuals aged 16 years to 64 years with underlying health conditions which put them at higher risk of serious disease and mortality
  • 7 All those 60 years of age and over
  • 8 All those 55 years of age and over
  • 9 All those 50 years of age and over