THE North Wales Health Board will be using three mass vaccination centres this week so that care home staff across North Wales can receive the vaccine.

The Rainbow Hospitals in Deeside, Llandudno and Bangor will be used from tomorrow, December 22 to vaccinate nearly 2,000 care home staff.

Only people who have been contacted directly by the Health Board will be able to receive the vaccine, and people are reminded not to turn up without an appointment.

At the same time, a small number of frontline staff working in high risk areas at Ysbyty Gwynedd will also be vaccinated.

Teresa Owen, Executive Director of Public Health, said: “We want to be able to vaccinate people at risk as soon as possible, so being able to use these mass vaccination centres is a vital part of our induction process.

"We know this can be a distressing time and we are working very hard to ensure that those who qualify receive their vaccine in turn as we receive supplies. We will continue to target those people who have been prioritised by the National Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization.

"It is important that people remember that they do not need to contact the Health Board or their GP to receive the vaccine. We will contact people directly when their turn comes and they will receive all the information they need to keep their appointment.

"We would like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding, as we roll out this major vaccination program."

You can find more information about the vaccination program and eligibility on the Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board website.