ARRANGEMENTS are being made for people over 16 who live with individuals with severely weakened immune systems will be offered COVID-19 vaccination as a priority.

The Welsh Government has accepted Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation’s advice that those people should be offered the COVID-19 vaccination as a priority.

Examples include those with blood cancer, HIV or those on immunosuppressive treatment, including chemotherapy.

Adults who are immunosuppressed have a weaker immune system to fight infections naturally and are more likely to have poorer outcomes following COVID-19 infection," said a WG spokesperson.

"There is growing evidence that the COVID-19 vaccines may reduce the chance of someone who has been vaccinated passing the virus on.

"Vaccinating household contacts will help limit the spread of the virus to immunosuppressed adults.

"Household contacts considered as a priority would be those over 16 who share living accommodation with adults who are immunosuppressed."

Professor Wei Shen Lim, Chair of COVID-19 Immunisation within the JCVI, said: "The vaccination programme has so far seen high vaccine uptake and very encouraging results on infection rates, hospitalisations and mortality.

"Yet we know that the vaccine isn’t as effective in those who are immunosuppressed.

"Our latest advice will help reduce the risk of infection in those who may not be able to fully benefit from being vaccinated themselves."

The JCVI does not currently advise vaccination of household contacts of immunosuppressed children, or children who are household contacts of immunosuppressed adults.

Adults with severe immunosuppression should have already been offered COVID-19 vaccination as part of group 6 (all individuals aged 16 to 64 years with underlying health conditions as defined by the JVCI).

Residents are asked to follow the instructions for the Hywel Dda on www.gov.wales if you are in this category and have not received an invitation for vaccination yet.