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Cardiff’s second mass vaccination centre opens at Pentwyn

Council looking at improvements to leisure centre before it returns to normal use

PENTWYN leisure centre opened as Cardiff’s second mass vaccination centre yesterday, and gave its first jabs.

The centre will serve people across the Cardiff and Vale health board area. Its focus will be on vaccinating those who are between 70 and 74 or are extremely clinically vulnerable. Other priority groups are being vaccinated at GPs.

Like the mass vaccination centre in Splott, which opened in December, the Pentwyn centre will give out the Pfizer vaccine. This is because it is more suited to being given out on mass as it is easier to store.

A third centre, at Holm View Leisure Centre in Barry, is due to open on Monday, February 8.

Those eligible will be contacted for vaccination by the health board. An appointment for a second dose in 12 weeks time will also be made.

So far 61,883 vaccine doses have been given in Cardiff and the Vale.

Pentwyn Leisure Centre has not reopened since it closed for the first lockdown in March, as last year it was being used by Cardiff Blues rugby team as a training facility.

It will now remain closed as a leisure facility until the vaccination programme is complete.

Pentwyn leisure centre

However, Cardiff Council suggested it may be able to make some improvements to the leisure centre while it is closed.

“We are looking to see if we can take the opportunity to make some investment to modernise the facility,” said a spokesperson.

“If the necessary budget can be identified, plans will be worked up to discuss with the local community.

“Options currently being looked at include a larger, upgraded gym area, improvements to the outdoor pitches, and changes to the pool area to make it better for swimming, and for learning to swim.”

Fiona Kinghorn, executive director of public health at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, said: “To have the second mass vaccination centre open in addition to the existing mass vaccination centre in Splott, our two satellite clinics for frontline staff and the fantastic work done by GP practices across both counties, we’re confident that we can meet our aim of vaccinating the top four priority groups by mid-February.

“We ask for your patience at this time and I can reassure you that there is no need to contact your GP practice or the Health Board for an appointment, we will get in touch with you.

“We appreciate this is an anxious time for some. If you have any questions or concerns about the vaccination, or when you’re likely to receive your appointment, then please visit our website which has more information on the programme.”