Community voices lead the way on winter vaccination in Cwm Taf Morgannwg

This month something new and exciting has happened in Cwm Taf Morgannwg.

33 passionate community leaders and champions have volunteered to become ‘community vaccination champions’ across our region.

Through this new community training offer; hosted by the Arts Factory and delivered by specialist health board teams - the CTM Specialist Immunisation Team and MECC (Making Every Contact Count) Team, community leaders have been given the tools, training and confidence to talk openly about the importance of winter vaccinations in their local groups and communities, including side effects and eligibility.

This training is part of a new health board and community partnership to protect our communities ahead of winter.

Emmeline Watkins, Public Health Consultant, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board said:

“As we head into the winter months, it’s a crucial time to talk about the importance of vaccines. We’ve all seen how important Covid-19 and winter flu vaccinations are in keeping our communities safe, helping to protect the most vulnerable, and reducing pressure on our hospitals. But it’s not just about Covid and flu; there are other important vaccines, like those protecting against RSV, which can make a real difference for babies, older adults, and people with certain health conditions.

“By making sure as many people as possible get the vaccines they’re eligible for, we’re not only preventing illness, we’re protecting families, keeping services running, and supporting healthier communities all year round.

“Our CTM community leaders are the heartbeat of our region - trusted voices who understand the needs, values, and concerns of their communities. By partnering with them to co-design our health board’s winter vaccination and health protection messaging, we’re not just sharing information; we’re hopefully building trust and confidence, improving access, and making sure crucial health protection messaging reaches where it matters most.”

Participants on the training said:

“The training was presented well, and at the right level. The background information were particularly useful, and although some staff were initially apprehensive, the feedback was very positive. We all enjoyed it.“

“Having more information regarding the myths and facts has helped me feel more prepared to promote vaccination.”

“It’s given me confidence to address possible barriers as to why someone may be hesitant to have a vaccination.”

“I think the 3As (Ask, Advise, Act) will be very useful as a framework to open discussions with community members.”

This training is just one element of a first-of-its-kind collaboration  between the health board and several third sector organisations from across the CTM region, who have formed a new ‘Health Protection and Vaccination Working Group’, to ensure as many people are protected as possible.

The Health Protection and Vaccination Working Group is a sub group of the CTM Community Leaders’ Network.

More information about winter vaccinations is available on the Public Health Wales website. Residents in Cwm Taf Morgannwg can find local information about the flu vaccination via our website and through following the latest updates on our social media channels:

Facebook: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Instagram: cwmtafmorgannwg
X: @CwmTafMorgannwg

For more details write to us at:

Health Protection and Vaccination Working Group
CTM.Enquiries.HP@wales.nhs.uk

CTM Community Leaders’ Network
CTM.News@wales.nhs.uk

18/09/2025