Over one million Covid-19 vaccinations have been given to people living or working in North Wales.

The significant milestone was reached this week, nine months after the vaccination programme started.

Around 98 per cent of these jabs have been given by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board staff and primary care partners, with the remainder given in England, or other counties in Wales.

Since December 2020, a Covid-19 jab has been given to a person living or working in North Wales every 24 seconds.

Those vaccinations have been administered in care homes and over 200 different locations, including GP surgeries, mass vaccination centres, mobile clinics and community pharmacies, as part of a huge logistical effort.

As of today (Friday, 20 August), 521,812 people living or working in North Wales had received a first dose, while 484,904 had been fully vaccinated with two.

Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery said: “It has taken a Herculean effort to get to his point and I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to our staff, primary care contractors, partner organisations and volunteers for their incredible support over the last nine months, as well as people across North Wales who have taken up the offer of vaccination.

“The speed and efficiency of our Covid-19 vaccine rollout has led to a significant reduction in the number of people dying or needing hospital treatment with the virus. It has also enabled Covid-19 restrictions to be eased to the extent that we can begin to enjoy some sort of normality again.

“We know there is a lot more work to do to complete the job – including vaccinating more young people and delivering the Covid-19 vaccine booster programme, which will start next month.

“The door is always open for those who have not yet come forward for their vaccination. You can either book your jab in advance using our online booking service, or attend one of our drop in sessions, for which appointments aren’t required.”

To book a Covid-19 vaccine, find details of drop-in sessions and answers to frequently asked questions about the vaccine, visit https://bcuhb.nhs.wales/covid-19/covid-19-vaccinations/.