Mum of autistic boy urges Welsh Government not to forget about the vulnerable still unvaccinated
Watch the full report by Jess Main
The mother of a severely autistic young boy from Pembrokeshire says she feels the Welsh Government has "washed their hands" of her family, and others like them, by taking children and young people in Wales off the shielding list.
Last week, children and young people were removed from the list of those who would be asked to shield if it were to be reintroduced in future.
They were also told they are no longer considered clinically extremely vulnerable in relation to COVID-19.
Almost three thousand children and young people were written to by the Welsh Government.
Claire Gray's son Jack is eleven years old and has severe autism and complex medical needs.
She told ITV News the Welsh Government's decision has left her feeling lost, frustrated and forgotten about.
"He is still vulnerable to the virus, and because he's eleven he can't be vaccinated," she said.
"Realistically it's still out there, and we don't know what will happen to Jack if he does catch it."
The Welsh Government say the decision to remove children and young people from the list was driven by data.
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Eluned Morgan, said: "We have taken a cautious, data-driven approach throughout this pandemic and continue to do so.
"We have looked carefully at the data from the past 18 months and are reassured that children and young people previously considered clinically extremely vulnerable should no longer be included on the shielding patient list due to the risk of serious illness or death from coronavirus being extremely low.
"Children and young people have been severely affected by the pandemic, with many missing school and meeting family and friends. The change to the shielding patient list will ensure that only people who really need to follow this advice stay on the list.
"We are still learning about the impacts of coronavirus infection, including long COVID, and I encourage everyone in Wales to continue to do all they can to minimise the risk of catching the virus and help keep Wales and their loved ones safe."
The Welsh Government also say some children aged 12 to 15 with specific health conditions will continue to be offered the vaccine.
Jack is still almost a year away from turning 12. Claire says the thought of more time worrying is unbearable.
She said, "It's not just as simple as clicking your fingers and going back to normal."
"The thought of another ten months of it is really difficult, I'm exhausted."
Claire is urging the Welsh Government to consider families like hers on a case by case basis, and is hoping Jack won't have to wait until next year for a vaccination, and some protection.
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