HYWEL Dda health board is operating a ‘leave no one behind’ strategy for its vaccination program to ensure that those who at most risk from Covid-19 receive the vaccine and protection from the disease

A health board statement said: "Many people have been asking if the health board will be opening a list for people in lower eligibility categories can join should spare vaccines become available. The health board is continuing to schedule and address any late availability of vaccine, for example in response to DNAs (did not attends), by calling-in people from the currently eligible priority groups (1 to 9).

"This is to ensure that protection from the vaccine is offered first to those at most of risk from serious harm of Covid-19.

"We have a greater percentage of older people living in west Wales than other areas of Wales and it is important that we offer protection first to those most at risk of harm from Covid-19. At this stage, we do not need to invite people from lower eligibility groups to join a list as we are managing any availability of vaccine with demand from groups we have already invited in for vaccination.

"Our vaccination teams from within the health board and primary care staff are making excellent progress and we are grateful to them and members of the public for their patience and for stepping forward to accept the vaccine when invited. We are committed and on target to offer vaccination to all our adult population by the end of July.

"Appointments will be sent to people aged 40 to 49, starting with the oldest and working backwards. If you are under 50 please await this invitation and do not at this stage contact your GP or the health board.

"Please be patient if you haven’t been contacted about your vaccine yet and we politely ask that you do not contact the health board or your GP to ask about your vaccine. You will be contacted when it is your turn."

In Hywel Dda 263,001 vaccinations have been administered up until April 14.

In Carmarthenshire 95,973 first doses have been administered, and 26,523 second doses, Pembrokeshire has seen 66,657 first dose appointments and 18,008 second dose and in Ceredigion 37,212 first doses have been given as well as 10,648 second doses.