3. Statement by the Minister for Health and Social Services: Update on COVID-19 vaccinations

Part of the debate – in the Senedd at 3:12 pm on 2 March 2021.

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Photo of Vaughan Gething Vaughan Gething Labour 3:12, 2 March 2021

Yes, I'm happy to address the Member's question, not just today, but I'll also undertake that I'll specifically cover it in next week's vaccination update statement. Because, for example, I took my mother to have her vaccine on the weekend. She would not have got to the vaccination centre without me is the reality of it, so I was happy to do it; I'm her son and I think that's part of what many sons and daughters across the country are doing. As we were leaving the vaccination centre, I saw someone who I assume was a daughter of someone who was then walking in with a very impressive animal-print walking stick going in to have her vaccine as well. So, it's not unusual, and that's an entirely reasonable reason for people to travel and to be with people they otherwise wouldn't be.

I do, though, recognise that, in rearranging my mother's appointment, there was a time to get through and to rearrange, but anyone who is offered an appointment at their GP surgery, or in an alternative local or mass vaccination centre and who can't get there, there is the opportunity to rearrange, and I want to reinforce that. If people can't get there, they shouldn't worry or not attend and think their opportunity has passed them by. We're definitely taking a leave no-one behind approach. So, if that appointment has passed and people do want to call to rearrange—them or a family member—they can do that and we will arrange a different opportunity.

We have teams of people undertaking vaccinations for housebound people. Next week, I'll make sure that I do give an update on the progress of those teams doing so, but also to reiterate how people can go about doing that if they are concerned. I think it's a fair point, and I want to reassure people who find themselves in the position that the Member for Blaenau Gwent has highlighted.