Over 500,000 people in Wales vaccinated against Covid-19

More than half a million people have received their first COVID-19 vaccination in Wales, on the 60th day since vaccinations began.

That’s the same as filling the Principality Stadium in Cardiff seven times or the Eirias Stadium in Colwyn Bay 86 times.

Speaking at today’s press conference, Education Minister Kirsty Williams pays tribute to everyone involved in the ‘tremendous effort’ on vaccines after Wales passes the 500,000 mark for first doses.

As the total vaccinated exceeds more than 523,000 today, this now means almost one in every six adults have had their first dose of this life-protecting vaccine.

Of the top 4 priority groups, Wales has vaccinated;

• 83% of over 80s
• 62% of 75 to 79 year olds
• 34% of 70 to 74 year olds
• More than 112,400 frontline health and social care workers

Target

“I’m sure all of you, would like to commend our NHS and everyone else involved in this tremendous effort,” Kirsty Williams said.

Wales is on track to have offered vaccinations to those eligible people in the top four priority groups by mid-February, if supplies continue at their current rate. Around one-third of everyone in the top nine priority groups have been vaccinated too.

Last week, Wales also vaccinated more people per population than any other UK nation.

There are 34 mass vaccination centres open across Wales at any one time and most are open seven days a week. Six more mass vaccination centres are due to open in the coming weeks.

Wales also has more than 400 GP-led clinics – the original target was 250 by the end of January. 17 hospital sites are also providing vaccines.