Health chiefs in Powys have marked the anniversary of the first Covi-19 dose being issued in Powys.

Eleri Tossell, a district nurse from Ystradgynlais, was the first person in the county to receive their jab on December 8 last year, as the roll-out kicked off in Brecon before moving north in the subsequent weeks.

Today, Powys Teaching Health Board heralded the achievements of the vaccine roll-out in the county, which has consistently shown some of the best per-head jab figures in Wales.

Adrian Osborne, programme director for Powys Teaching Health Board’s Covid-19 vaccination programme, said: “After weeks of planning the Covid-19 vaccinations programme began on 8 December 2020, with our first clinic opening in Bronllys.

“Within a week we had opened in Newtown, initially in Park Street before moving to the Maldwyn Leisure Centre in January when our centre at the Showground also opened. Working together these three clinics continue to provide the focus for our successful vaccination programme in the county.

“Since then we have successful administered over a quarter of a million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine. Thousands of hours have been given by health board staff, supported by our incredible volunteers and all our partner organisations."

Powys currently has the highest vaccination rates of all health boards in Wales.

91.2 per cent of adults have had their first vaccine dose, 89.3 per cent their second, and 38.9 have had a booster – all figures which outstrip the Welsh averages.

Mr Osborne added: “Most importantly we have received fantastic support from the people of Powys, who have come forward in their thousands, and are still doing so today for their booster doses.

“The collective achievement by and for the county is humbling. Thank you.”

  • 91.2% of adults have received a first dose (Wales average 87.4%)
  • 89.3% of adults have received a second dose (Wales average 84.5%)
  • 38.9% of adults have received a booster dose (Wales average 31.1%)
  • 84.7% of 16-17 year olds have received a first dose (Wales average 76.2%)
  • 64.3% of 12-15 year olds have received a first dose (Wales average 53.7%)