Responding to comments made by the First Minister during a Radio 4 interview today (Monday, 18 January) that the supply of the Pfizer vaccine had to last until February and was not being used all at once, Dr David Bailey, Chair of the BMA in Wales said:

“I’m deeply concerned by the comments I’ve heard today and advise Welsh Government to look again at the roll-out strategy.

“For the First Minister to say that there is ‘no point’ in using all the supplies in a week to ensure vaccinators aren’t standing around with nothing to do is truly bewildering.

“Frontline staff are risking their lives to help others - the priority must be to get the second dose administered to those who have received the first, and to accelerate first doses for all remaining vaccinations to ensure maximum protection for staff and patients. We are asking Welsh Government to stop sitting on supplies and get on with it.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

The BMA is a trade union and professional association representing and negotiating on behalf of all doctors in the UK. A leading voice advocating for outstanding health care and a healthy population. An association providing members with excellent individual services and support throughout their lives.