One million people receive first vaccine dose in Wales, Health Minister announces  

One million people have received the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine, the Health Minister Vaughan Gething has announced.

This means that almost 40 per cent of Wales’ adult population now have a level of protection from Covid-19.

Today’s data [9 March] shows 1,007,391 people – or 4 in 10 adults – have received at least their first dose, and that 192,030 have also had their second dose.

This equates to 1,199,421 doses administered altogether within the first 13 weeks of Wales’ vaccination programme.

According to the Welsh Government, following an anticipated dip in supplies over the past few weeks, Wales is shortly going to see a significant increase again.

It says expected supplies should see the availability of around 200,000 vaccinations over the course of the next couple of weeks – with around 30,000 a day being administered.

This includes second doses for the many more people due to receive theirs in the coming weeks, and supplies for this have been planned for too.

An update to the Vaccination Strategy for Wales was published at the end of February and this brought forward two key target dates and also sets out plans for the next phase of roll-out.

It was recently announced that Wales aims to have offered vaccinations to every eligible adult by 31 July, as long as supply is maintained.

‘Incredible testament’ 

Health Minister Vaughan Gething said: “To be able to say that one in four adults in Wales have now had at least their first dose of the vaccine is a truly incredible testament to the hard-work of everyone involved in the roll-out of this life-changing vaccine.

“We have seen an incredible level of up-take so far and my thanks go to every person who has done their bit for this national effort.

“It is crucial these high levels of uptake are maintained and I would urge everyone to take up their offer – every single dose really does count. Each is a step closer to opening up our society, a step closer to a brighter future and our ‘new normal’.

“We do however need to reiterate that even if you have had your jab, please keep to the social distancing and hygiene measures we’ve become accustom to over the past year – everyone’s efforts to keep this virus at bay are so vitally important.”

Although vaccination greatly reduces the risk of severe Covid-19, the Welsh Government says we are still learning about how the vaccine affects transmission of the virus and that someone could still pass it on even after being vaccinated.

Therefore, it is advising that once someone has had the vaccine however they should still follow the same steps to keep themselves and Wales safe; wearing a mask, keeping a 2m distance, washing their hands regularly and keeping rooms as well ventilated as possible.