Who will receive a Covid-19 Autumn Booster Vaccination?

The JCVI has recently provided its final advice on autumn boosters for COVID-19. They have continued to focus on individual risk and people caring for the vulnerable. We have plans in place to offer a COVID-19 autumn booster to the following adults in line with JCVI advice: 

•  residents and staff working in care homes for older adults

•  frontline health and social care workers

•  all adults aged 50 years and over

•  persons aged 5 to 49 years in a clinical risk group, including pregnant women

•  persons aged 5 to 49 years who are household contacts of people with immunosuppression, as defined in the Green Book

•  persons aged 16 to 49 who are carers

Further information is available at https://gov.wales/winter-respiratory-vaccination-strategy-autumn-and-winter-2022-2023-html

If I am eligible for a Covid-19 Autumn Booster, when will I receive my vaccination?

In line with National Guidance, the delivery of the Autumn Booster Programme will start at the beginning of September 2022.

The programme ensures the most vulnerable in society are vaccinated first with older adult care homes being top of our list to receive their vaccinations.

All invites will then be based on priority group then interval.

What benefits does an Autumn Booster offer?

Before the pandemic, flu caused significant pressures on our NHS in winter. The pandemic has made us much more aware that vaccination saves lives and reduces hospitalisations. Vaccination may not stop you catching coronavirus or flu, but they make it far less likely that you will be severely ill or need hospitalisation if you do.

How will I be invited for my Autumn Booster Vaccination?

If you are eligible, you will be invited for your COVID-19 vaccination via letter, text or telephone call. 

Please ensure your contact details are up-to-date with your GP Practice.

Where will I get my Autumn Booster Vaccination?

You may be invited to one of our vaccination centres for your Autumn Booster, your local GP Practice, or Community Pharmacy. It is therefore important to check your invitation carefully before attending your appointment. 

Am I able to have my Covid-19 Autumn Booster Vaccination at the same time as my Annual Flu Vaccination?

Following JCVI’s advice, co-administration of COVID-19 and flu vaccines should take place where possible. Where we are able to do this, we will. Last year, many healthcare workers and care home residents had their COVID-19 and flu vaccines at the same time. This co-administration was efficient for our NHS to deliver and gave patients more protection in one appointment, providing an increased level of convenience for individuals. 

Administration of the two vaccinations at one appointment may not always be possible due to supply of vaccines, or the venue you are invited to, in this case you will receive a separate appointment for each vaccination.

Vaccines are not mandatory, so it will not be mandatory for individuals to have two vaccines in the same appointment, but if you are offered both we encourage you to choose to have both to increase your protection. 

I am unable to make my appointment, what should I do?

We know it is important people can access their vaccine appointment at a time and place which suits their personal circumstances and needs. We continue to ask people to prioritise appointments wherever possible, but we understand this is not always possible. If you are unable to make your appointment, please use the contact details at the top of your written invitation to arrange an alternative date.

I'm currently unwell, or on antibiotics - can I still attend my booster appointment?

Yes, you should still be able to receive your booster if you are unwell. However, if you are running a high temperature or are extremely unwell, please check with your GP or with a vaccinator on site before having your vaccination.

If you’ve recently tested positive for, or think you may have had Covid-19 and are over 18, you’ll need to wait 28 days before having your booster vaccination. Please contact the number on your invitation and request for a replacement appointment to be sent to you.

Children and young people under 18 who have been infected with Covid-19 will need to wait 12 weeks before receiving any Covid-19 vaccinations.

If your child is in a group that is at greater risk of serious illness from Covid-19, they will need to wait 4 weeks after their positive test.

Further information can be found on the Public Health Wales website.

I haven’t had a first dose vaccination, can I just walk in to a vaccination centre?

Please visit our Getting Vaccinated page.

I haven't yet received my second dose vaccination - can I just walk in to a vaccination centre?

Please visit our Getting Vaccinated page.

Which vaccine will I receive for my Booster dose?

The vaccine you receive will be dependent on supply. Unfortunately, it isn’t possible for you to choose which vaccine you receive.

Do you have any walk-in clinics that I can attend?

Please visit our Getting Vaccinated page.

I'm pregnant and need my first, second or booster vaccination. What do I do?

Please visit our Getting Vaccinated page.

If you are over 20 weeks pregnant, please walk to the front of the queue, make yourself known to staff and you will be fast-tracked as a priority.

How do I get my COVID Pass?

Please visit the Welsh Government website at Get your NHS COVID Pass | GOV.WALES for information on getting your COVID Pass.

My vaccination status record is incorrect on my COVID Pass - what do I do?

If your COVID Pass is not displaying proof of a vaccination that was issued by Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, please contact our booking centre on0300 303 1373, who will be able to look at your record and confirm what record we hold.

If you received your vaccinations in another Health Board area and this vaccination is not showing, you will need to contact that Health Board to get the vaccination added to your record.

For information on COVID passes for those who are clinically vulnerable, please visit the Welsh Government website at NHS COVID Pass: help getting your pass | GOV.WALES.

My personal details are incorrect on my COVID Pass - what do I do?

Unfortunately, the Health Board is unable to amend your personal details on your COVID Pass. Please contact your GP Practice and ensure your information is up-to-date with them, as their system links with your NHS record.