Health and wellbeing
Walsall residents invited to come forward for COVID-19 and flu vaccinations
Published on
Eligible residents in Walsall are being invited to come forward for a flu and COVID-19 vaccine to protect them ahead of winter.
The vaccination programmes began on Thursday 3 October, and appointments are available to book now.
Similar to last year, those eligible for a COVID-19 and flu vaccine include all adults aged 65 years and over, people who live in a care home for older adults, people aged 6 months to 64 years with health conditions that make them more vulnerable, frontline health and social care staff, including in care homes for older adults and pregnant women.
The flu vaccine is also available to children aged 2 to 3 years, school-aged children (Reception to Year 11) and children with certain long-term health conditions.
Eligible people can book an appointment via the NHS website, on the NHS App or by calling 119. Community pop-up clinics are also being hosted at a range of locations in Walsall, with flu and COVID-19 vaccines available for eligible residents on a walk-in basis, with no appointment needed.
“ As we begin to approach winter, it is important that we protect ourselves and others from illnesses like COVID-19 and flu.
These viruses change every year and continue to circulate within our communities. Those at higher risk who are not protected can become very unwell, requiring hospital treatment.
If you are eligible for either or both vaccines, please come forward as soon as possible for an appointment, either by booking online through the NHS website or app, by calling 119 or visiting a pop-up clinic near you.
I also would like to encourage residents to keep in mind the simple steps they can take to reduce the spread of illnesses, such as covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing your hands regularly, staying away from others until you feel better and regularly cleaning surfaces you touch often. “
“ It’s vital that everyone prepares for potential winter illnesses, especially those who are at higher risk.
It can be easy to become complacent, however it’s important for those who are eligible to top up their protection, even if they have had a vaccine or been ill with flu or COVID-19 before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year.
Vaccines remain our best defence, keeping people from developing serious illnesses and helping to minimise hospitalisations during busy winter months. So, I would encourage anyone who receives an invite for either vaccine to please get booked in as soon as possible. “
Pop-up clinics have been arranged across Walsall to offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for all eligible residents.
- Wednesday 9 October, 9am-3pm, Morrisons, Middle Piece Way, Willenhall, WV13 1QG
- Saturday 12 October, 10am-4pm, Walsall Town Centre, Lower Hall Lane, St Matthews Quarter, WS1 1PU
- Tuesday 15 October, 9am-3pm, Tesco, Silver Street, Brownhills, WS8 6DZ
- Wednesday 16 October, 9am-3pm, Morrisons, Middle Piece Way, Willenhall, WV13 1QG
- Wednesday 23 October, 9am-3pm, Morrisons, Middle Piece Way, Willenhall, WV13 1QG
- Saturday 26 October, 10am-4pm, Walsall Town Centre, Lower Hall Lane, St Matthews Quarter, WS1 1PU
- Tuesday 29 October, 9am-3pm, Tesco, Silver Street, Brownhills, WS8 6DZ
- Wednesday 30 October, 9am-3pm, Morrisons, Middle Piece Way, Willenhall, WV13 1QG
Calls to 119 are free from mobiles and landlines and the booking service provides support in 200 different languages. Those who have difficulties communicating or hearing or are a BSL user can use textphone 18001 or the NHS 119 British Sign Language (BSL) interpreter service.
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- Residents can find out if they are eligible for the vaccines on the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board’s flu and COVID-19 webpages.
- Full details of pop-up clinics across Walsall and the Black Country is available on the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board website: https://blackcountry.icb.nhs.uk/your-health/health-advice/vaccinations/pop-up
