Last chance for COVID-19 vaccine

News - 20 January 2025

People in the Black Country are being reminded that they have two weeks left to take up the offer
of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Friday 20 December marked the last day that COVID-19 vaccine appointments could be booked via the National Booking System, following guidance from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

However, walk-in vaccines remain available at a host of community pop-up clinics in the Black
Country until the end of January. This is the last opportunity for eligible people to receive a
COVID-19 vaccination.

People are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine if they are aged 65 or over, pregnant, aged 6 months to 64 years in clinical risk groups, live in a care home for older adults, or are a frontline health and social care worker.

Walk-in COVID-19 vaccines are available at the following locations over the next two weeks:
Wolverhampton
• Sainsburys, Bentley Bridge, WV11 1UP
o Thursday 23 January, 11am-6pm
• Wolverhampton City Centre, Queens Square, WV1
o Friday 24 January, 9am-3pm
• Sainsburys, Raglan Street, WV3 0ST
o Thursday 30 January, 9am-3pm
Dudley
• Dudley Market Place, High Street, DY1 1PQ
o Friday 17 January, 9am-2pm
o Friday 31 January, 9am-2pm
• Asda, Pearson Street, Brierley Hill, DY5 3

Walsall
• Tesco, Silver Street, Brownhills, WS8 6DZ
o Tuesday 21 January, 9am-3pm
• Willenhall Market, Market Place, Willenhall, WV13 2AA
o Wednesday 29 January, 9am-3pm
Sandwell
• Asda, Wednesbury Oak Road, Tipton, DY4 0BP
o Monday 20 January, 9am-3pm
• Wednesbury Town Centre (near Clock Tower)
o Wednesday 22 January, 9am-3pm
• Tesco, Fox Oak Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5DF
o Tuesday 28 January, 9am-3pm
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “The COVID-19 vaccination programme started in October and since then more than 134,000 people in the Black Country have come forward for a vaccine to get protected.

“Now, with just two weeks left before the COVID-19 vaccination offer closes, we want to encourage everyone who is eligible and yet to receive a vaccine, to come forward before it’s too late.

“COVID-19 hasn’t gone away but your protection from previous vaccinations wanes over time, so it’s still important to get your jab if you are eligible. So, please visit our pop-up clinics over the next few weeks.”

Flu vaccinations are also available at the pop-up clinics for those eligible and will remain available until the end of March

More information CLICK HERE

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It’s not too late for a flu vaccination

With flu cases rising in the Black Country, eligible people are being urged to come
forward for a flu vaccination.

This year’s winter vaccination programme is focused on protecting those most vulnerable to flu. This includes older adults, and people with certain underlying health conditions such as heart or respiratory disease, or a weakened immune system, as they are at greater risk of illness from the virus.

Since the roll out of the vaccination programme in October, more than 300,000 people have
received a flu vaccination, however that’s just under half of those eligible. With latest data
showing 826 people in hospital with flu in the first week of January in the Black Country, eligible people are being urged to come forward for a flu vaccine.

A host of pop-up clinics have been set up across the Black Country, offering both flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for all eligible adults throughout January, with no appointment necessary.

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country ICB, said: “During the winter
months, we spend more time indoors or in crowded spaces, so viruses spread at a much
quicker rate. If you are elderly, pregnant or have certain health conditions, flu can be very
dangerous and even life-threatening.

“The flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to help protect against flu and is designed to help protect those who are most at risk from developing complications from the virus, helping to minimise hospitalisations.

“It is important to top up your protection, even if you have had a vaccine or been ill with flu
before, as immunity fades over time and these viruses change each year. That’s why we are asking all eligible individuals to get their flu jab as soon as possible, if they haven’t taken up the offer of getting it already.”

Flu vaccinations are available until the end of March, but it’s best to get vaccinated sooner to protect yourself during winter.

Julian Hobbs, Medical Director at The Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are seeing a high number of patients in our Black Country hospitals with flu and respiratory conditions, especially people who are elderly or vulnerable, and children.

“I would encourage people who have been invited to have their flu vaccination to take up the offer, to help give the best possible protection. The public can also play their part by using the most appropriate services for their needs over the coming weeks.

“By taking simple steps like using pharmacies for minor ailments, getting vaccinated against respiratory illnesses such as flu and COVID-19 if you’re eligible, and using NHS 111 for advice, you can help us ensure that our A&E departments are there for those who need urgent and emergency care the most.”
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Call to Young Carers aged from 8 to 19 years of age

Are you a Walsall Young Carer aged between 8 to 19 years of age?

We would like to know what support you get and what you need?

Tel: 0800 470 1660 or Email: info@healthwatchwalsall.co.uk
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