The latest Covid-19 vaccination programme started in October, and more than 120,000 eligible people in the Black Country have taken up the offer.
Those eligible for a free Covid-19 vaccine – as well as a free flu vaccine – include people aged 65 or over, women who are pregnant, those aged from 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups, those living in a care home for older adults, and frontline health and social care workers.
People who want a Covid-19 vaccine have until 20 December to book an appointment via the NHS website, the NHS app or by calling 119. After this date, Covid-19 vaccinations will only be available at local pop up clinics on a walk in basis.
Flu vaccines will still be available after 20 December and people can continue to book appointments via the NHS website or their local pharmacy, or attend one of the pop up clinics.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Our winter vaccination programme has seen over 120,000 eligible people receive their Covid-19 vaccine so far, which is fantastic.
“Both the Covid-19 and flu vaccines can provide important protection to those eligible and their families ahead of Christmas and over winter, helping to prevent serious illness and minimise hospitalisations during the busy winter months.
“There are now only a few weeks left to book a Covid-19 vaccine appointment either online or by calling 119 as the offer ends on 20 December, so I would encourage anyone eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine who hasn’t yet come forward to book an appointment while they can.”
Pop up clinics are taking place throughout December with flu and Covid-19 vaccines available for eligible adults on a walk in basis, with no appointment necessary. They include:
- Thursday (5 December), 9am to 3pm, Sainsburys, Raglan Street, Wolverhampton
- Sunday (8 December), 10am to 1pm, Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, Cannock Road, Park Village
- Thursday 12 December, 11am to 6pm, Sainsburys, Bentley Bridge
- Thursday 19 December, 9am to 3pm, Phoenix Park, Dudley Road
- Friday 27 December, 9am to 3pm, Queen Square, Wolverhampton
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: "Getting vaccinated will help you get winter strong and I would encourage anyone who is eligible to take up the offer of a free flu or Covid-19 vaccination, or both.”
