Health and wellbeing
Eligible residents urged to come forward for COVID-19 autumn booster and reminded of the importance of the flu vaccination
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Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are important to take up as winter approaches.
With the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination programme in Walsall now underway, eligible residents are being urged to book their COVID autumn booster vaccination at the earliest opportunity.
This year the booster initiative is running alongside the annual flu vaccination programme and if you are eligible for both, and where possible those eligible will be offered the booster and flu vaccine together, to ensure the greatest level of protection.
People living in care homes have already been offered the COVID-19 autumn booster vaccination. Now, other eligible groups are being encouraged to take up the booster as the best way to prevent serious illness this winter.
Invitations will go out to those eligible and once invited, people can book an appointment online via the National Booking System or by calling 119, as long as it has been three months since their last dose.
Among those who will be receiving the invite include adult care home residents and staff; frontline health and social care workers and people aged 50 and over. Eligible residents can also receive the autumn booster if they are aged under 50 and are an unpaid carer, in a clinical at-risk group (including pregnancy) or a household contact of a person with a weakened immune system.
“ I would urge those eligible for the COVID-19 autumn booster to come forward as soon as possible once invited. Some people will also be eligible for the annual flu vaccination and having both the booster and the flu vaccine together will give you the greatest protection.
COVID-19 has not gone away, and vaccination is our best defence, reducing the risk of becoming seriously ill. It is still not too late to come forward for the 1st, 2nd or initial booster dose.
As well as getting the vaccine, there are also simple ways we can help protect ourselves and others as the colder weather approaches and we spend more time together indoors. Please remember and practice the basics of thorough handwashing, open windows to let in fresh air and allow air to circulate, stay at home if you feel unwell and wear a face covering when in enclosed spaces. “
