MORE than three-quarters of care home residents in Wales have received their coronavirus booster vaccination.

This comes as health minister Eluned Morgan has confirmed that more than half a million Covid-19 booster vaccinations had been administered in Wales – including more than half of 70 to 74-year-olds.

Health boards in Wales are issuing appointments for those eligible for the booster vaccination in priority order – in line with JCVI advice – starting with those most at risk.

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Ms Morgan will give an update later today on the coronavirus situation in Wales.

“Our NHS and care workforce is doing an incredible job but they are exhausted – they’ve worked flat out and have done everything we have asked of them,” she said.

“We can support the NHS this winter by getting the spread of coronavirus under control and preventing more people falling seriously ill with Covid-19.

“We can do this by ensuring we’ve had both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine and having the autumn booster too if we’re eligible. Having our winter flu jab will also help.

“It’s also important that we choose the right service for our healthcare needs.

“If you need care for minor injuries and illnesses, your local pharmacy can help and minor injury units treat a wide range of injuries rather than heading straight to A&E.”

Ms Morgan also provided an update on how many young people had received their vaccination, with almost half (48 per cent) of 12 to 15-year-olds now having the vaccine, and everyone in that age group having been offered the vaccine.

Any young person who could not make their appointment due to prior arrangements or because they had coronavirus will be given another appointment. There are also walk-in appointments available in some places across Wales for this age group.