PEOPLE over 16 in households of adults with a weakened immune system are to be prioritised for Covid-19 jabs in Wales.

Adults who are immunosuppressed have a weaker immune system to fight infections naturally and are more likely to have poorer outcomes after contracting coronavirus.

This includes those with blood cancer, HIV or those who are having immunosuppressive treatment.

Arrangements are being made to invite people aged over 16 who live with these individuals for vaccination, the Welsh Government has announced, following advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

It comes after the NHS in England announced a similar move last month.

There is growing evidence that the coronavirus vaccine may reduce the transmission of the virus, experts have said.

The Welsh Government has said that vaccinating household contacts will help limit the spread of the virus to immunosuppressed adults.

The JCVI does not currently advise vaccination of household contacts of immunosuppressed children.

Professor Wei Shen Lim, chairman of Covid-19 immunisation for the JCVI, said last month: “The vaccination programme has so far seen high vaccine uptake and very encouraging results on infection rates, hospitalisations and mortality.

“Yet we know that the vaccine isn’t as effective in those who are immunosuppressed.

“Our latest advice will help reduce the risk of infection in those who may not be able to fully benefit from being vaccinated themselves.”

North Wales' Gill Harris, Executive Director of Nursing and Midwifery said by the end of this week, more than half a million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will been administered across North Wales.

She added: "This is a significant achievement and I would like to thank everyone involved in the programme for their hard work, as well as the general public for their patience and understanding.

"Having offered the COVID-19 vaccine to everyone over the age of 50, we have begun sending invitations to the remaining adult population.

"The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has recommended that under-30s in the UK are offered an alternative Covid vaccine to the AstraZeneca jab.

"To ensure age groups within the remainder of the adult population receive the most clinically appropriate vaccines, we will be sending appointment invitations based on our delivery of vaccines from now until the end of July.

"This will mean that some people aged 18-29 may be offered vaccination earlier than some older individuals."

Vaccination progress as at April 12th 2021:

490,885 total vaccinations have been administered in North Wales

First dose vaccines – 358,470

Second dose vaccines – 132,415

Percentage of people in Priority Groups who have received a first dose:

Priority Group 5 (ages 65 to 69): 93 per cent

Priority Group 6 (ages 16 to 64 in an at risk group): 83 per cent

Priority Group 7 (ages 60 to 64): 86 per cent

Priority Group 8 (ages 55-59): 82 per cent

Priority Group 9 (ages 50-54): 79 per cent