This update was sent to the Cymorth mailing list on 3 January. You can view the original email here and sign up to receive future mailings here. 

Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine  

Following the announcement that the MHRA has authorised the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine, the Minister for Health and Social Services has published a written statement, which outlines how the vaccine programme can now be extended to care homes and primary care settings. 

The Welsh Government has also published: 

• The legislation which gives directions to health boards on the administration of the Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine. 
• The authorisation protocol for non-registered professionals to immunise people with the Astra/Zeneca COVID-19 vaccine.

COVID-19 vaccine deployment data in Wales  

The Minister for Health and Social Services has published a written statement following the publication of the latest COVID-19 vaccine deployment data by Public Health Wales. 

COVID-19 Vaccines: Change to dosing schedule  

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has published a series of documents about the scientific and public health rationale for the dosing schedule for the AstraZeneca vaccine and the change to the dosing schedule for the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine. 

The documents can be found at the bottom of the web page and include:

• Statement from the JCVI
• Letter from the UK's CMOs
• Update to the Green Book

Technical Advisory Cell  

The Welsh Government has published the following reports from the Technical Advisory Cell / Technical Advisory Group:

• Summary of COVID-19 advice to Welsh Ministers (23 December)
• Brief on the viral variant VOC-202012/01

Coronavirus: The facts

The Welsh Government has published guidance aimed at addressing misinformation undermining the fight against COVID-19 and our commitment to Keep Wales Safe. 

Written Statement: Testing and Infection Prevention Control framework for social care

The Welsh Government has published a written statement following the publication of a detailed control plan for social care in Wales that will assist social care services and the public in understanding the measures to expect at each level so that they can continue to protect the most vulnerable individuals in Wales. 

Cabinet statement: Update on health and care system pressures

The Minister for Health and Social Services has published a written statement about the current pressures being experienced across the health and care system in Wales. 

ICYMI: Guidance for people in the shielding group

The Welsh Government has updated its guidance for people in the shielding group.