MORE than 45,000 of the most vulnerable people in North Wales have already topped up their protection against COVID-19 by receiving a booster vaccine this spring.

Vaccination teams from Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board are delivering up to 2,000 booster vaccines each day at their network of community vaccination clinics.

The health board has thanked people throughout North Wales for coming forward for their spring booster in such high numbers.

Everyone eligible for a COVID-19 spring booster has now been sent an invitation to attend an appointment at a clinic close to their home.

Teams are delivering vaccines from almost 40 locations throughout North Wales, including community halls, sports grounds, leisure centres and other venues – making it easier and more convenient for people to protect themselves against the virus.

The health board say the final batches of appointment letters have been sent in recent days and should arrive very soon.

Residents have been asked to check letters carefully because the venue for appointments may be different from previous vaccination programmes.

Teams are also continuing visits to offer the spring booster to people living in care homes and who are housebound.

The spring booster helps to protect older people and adults and children with a compromised immune system from serious illness caused by COVID-19.

Following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the Welsh Government, a spring booster vaccine is being offered to everyone aged 75 or over, everyone living in a care home for older adults, and all adults and children aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed.

The health board is urging everyone eligible for the vaccine to take up the offer to boost their protection against COVID-19 this spring.

They say they are especially keen to encourage adults and children with a compromised immune system to come forward to receive the vaccine when invited.