Respiratory viruses affecting the lungs and airways spread quickly in winter and can be life threatening to more vulnerable people, such as the elderly or those with underlying health conditions.
Those eligible for the autumn Covid-19 booster and a free flu vaccination include everyone over the age of 50, pregnant women, people with certain underlying health conditions, care home residents and front line health and social care workers.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "With winter fast approaching, I would encourage anyone who is eligible for their Covid-19 autumn booster and flu vaccination to get them booked in as soon as possible.
“It is important to have both vaccinations to reduce your chances of becoming unwell and needing hospital treatment. Both vaccines are proven to be safe, effective and offer the very best protection to those at risk.
"I would also remind anyone who is eligible for their Covid-19 vaccination and hasn't yet had their first or second dose that it is not too late to get it.”
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, added: “With Covid-19 and flu circulating this winter, it’s vital that everyone prepares for potential winter illnesses, especially those who are at higher risk.
“Getting vaccinated helps you and the NHS, which is already facing extreme pressures in the run up to the very busy winter season. That’s why we’re urging all those eligible for an autumn Covid-19 booster and a flu vaccine to come forward as soon as possible and top up their immunity.
“The vaccinations can be given on the same day and some people might get both vaccines at the same time. However, this may not always be possible, so we encourage everybody to get each vaccination as soon as they can, rather than waiting to get both at the same time.”
To find out more about the Covid-19 and flu vaccinations, visit Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine and Flu vaccine respectively. Covid-19 vaccinations can be booked online via the National Booking System at Book or manage a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination or by calling 119, while the pop-up clinic is at Phoenix Park in Blakenhall today (Wednesday) until Friday (14 October) from 10am to 4pm each day.
