Welsh Government have hit care homes vaccination target, they say

The Welsh Government say they have hit their target of offering vaccines to every care home in Wales, they said today.

However, some visits had not yet taken place because there were cases of Covid-19 at those care homes, Minister for Mental Health, Wellbeing and Welsh Language Eluned Morgan said.

“I know you’ll want to know whether we met the next marker in our Vaccination Strategy of offering vaccines to all care homes in Wales,” she said.

“I’m pleased to confirm we have. All older person care homes have either received visits from vaccination teams or visits are planned. Where visits have not taken place yet, it is because there have been live Covid cases in the last 20 days. The vaccination teams will visit these homes as soon as the public health advice allows.

“I want to thank everyone who is working so hard to provide vaccines to everyone who needs them. Every vaccine delivered is a small victory against the virus.”

More than 13% of the population has had the vaccine, or 416,000 people in Wales, she said.

A further 21 people have died with Covid today, according to Public Health Wales.

It takes the total number of coronavirus-related deaths in Wales in a hospital or care home to 4,775 since the start of the pandemic.

“These are difficult times and, sadly, we know we will be living with coronavirus for a while yet,” Eluned Morgan said. “It may feel like there’s no end to this and there’s no hope in sight.

“It’s important we don’t lose hope and know that together we will get through this. If you need someone to talk to or some extra support, please reach out – there are people waiting to help. Our CALL mental health helpline is available 24 hours a day on 0800 132 737 or text Help to 81066.”