Ending of COVID-19 vaccine and booster dose universal offers

The Welsh Government has announced key changes to the COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Programme. The latest statement can be found  here. 

Due to the high level of strong population immunity developed over the past two and a half years, and as we move from a pandemic emergency response towards a more sustainable, business-as-usual approach: 

• The offer of the initial two-dose universal primary course of vaccine (which was offered from December 2020 to all the population aged over 5) will cease on 30th  June 2023 

• The offer of the universal booster (third) dose (offered from autumn 2021 to all the population aged over 5) will cease on 31st March 2023 

This means people aged 5 to 49 who have not had their primary course or their 2021 booster dose have until those dates to take up these offers. 

The vaccine continues to be the best way to prevent serious illness and the spread of COVID-19.  

What do I do if I haven’t received my first, second or third (booster) vaccine yet? 

If you have not started or completed a primary course of COVID-19 vaccinations (i.e. you haven’t received any COVID-19 vaccinations or you have received your first but not your second) you will have until the  30th June 2023 to get fully vaccinated.  

It’s important to note that if you’re 18 or over you will need to have  56 days (8 weeks) between your first and secondary doses. If you are under 18, this is  84 days (12 weeks) 

Boosters will be available for those who are eligible and have received their primary course (doses 1 and 2) until 31st March 2023.  

Where can I get my vaccine in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan? 

To receive your first, second or booster dose you can drop into the Woodland House Mass Vaccination Centre.  

Woodland House MVC is open from 10am to 7pm seven days a week.  

Please note that 5 to 15-year-olds must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

For more information, click here. 

Does this mean the end of COVID-19 vaccinations? 

These changes do not signal the end of the COVID-19 vaccination programme as we expect COVID-19 vaccination to continue to be a feature of the vaccination programme in Wales.  

People who have or develop a health condition that places them in a clinical risk group will still be able to be vaccinated during the next campaign window or sooner on the advice of a clinician. 

Additionally, people at higher risk (as determined by the JCVI) will be offered an additional booster in Autumn 2023 and planning is also currently underway for a possible Spring 2023 booster programme, subject to advice shortly from the JCVI on this.