PEOPLE IN north Wales aged between 65 and 74 years old have until the end of this month to get their COVID-19 Autumn booster.

People of that age who have not received a COVID-19 Autumn booster have until March 28 to drop in to a community vaccination centre to boost their protection against the virus.

More than 175,000 eligible people across North Wales have already come forward to receive the booster since the programme began in September.

Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board (BCUHB) will stop offering the COVID-19 Autumn booster on March 28.

The health board is calling on anyone who is eligible for the vaccine but has not yet had it to come forward over the next four weeks.

A statement read: "We are especially keen to encourage people aged 65 to 74 and anyone who is immunosuppressed to top up their protection and reduce their risk of serious illness.

"Walk-in flu vaccination for adults is also available.

"You can check your eligibility and find more details about the vaccines at the health board’s website. You can also view details of our walk-in vaccination clinics including locations, dates and times online."

Why it is important to get the Autumn booster

It is important to receive booster doses when invited to help maintain a high level of protection against COVID-19. If you do not take up the offer to receive the booster you could be more vulnerable to the virus.

People aged 65 to 74 will not be offered another vaccine as part of the Spring campaign.

COVID-19 Spring booster programme

A Betsi statement added: "Following guidance issued by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation and the Welsh Government, our teams are currently planning the COVID-19 Spring booster programme in North Wales.

"From April 2, we will start offering a booster vaccine to: • all adults aged 75 years and over • residents in care homes for older adults • all adults and children aged six months and over who are immunosuppressed (as defined by tables 3 and 4 of the Green Book).

"We will announce more details about our plans shortly.

"The COVID-19 Spring booster will be offered to patients around six months after their last dose of the vaccine. As in previous campaigns, our teams will issue invitations to all those eligible for the booster vaccine and work with care home managers to offer vaccinations to residents."