Pop-up COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics have been set up in the Black Country with Severe Mental Illness (SMI) support available for those who need it.
People with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or any mental illness that causes severe functional impairment are eligible for a flu and COVID-19 vaccine, whatever their age, because they are at greater risk from the viruses.
A number of the clinics will provide dedicated support for people with SMI and their carers – whether professionally or in an unpaid/family carer role - who want to come forward for a winter vaccination.
People who are eligible for a vaccine, including people aged 65 and over, those that are pregnant, adults and children (aged six months and above) with certain health conditions, care home residents, frontline health and social care staff, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with a weakened immune system, are also encouraged to come forward.
The community pop-up clinics are being hosted at a range of locations in Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and Sandwell, with no appointment necessary, including:
- Showell Circus, Wolverhampton, WV10 9TH, Wednesday 13 December,10am-4pm
- Quayside House, Round Greens Road, Oldbury, B69 2DG, Thursday 14 December, 9.30am-3pm
- The Unicorn Centre, Amblecote, Stourbridge, DY8 4BP, Tuesday 19 December, 9.30am-1.30pm
- Hallam Street Hospital, Hallam Street, West Bromwich, B71 4NH, Wednesday 20 December, 9.30am-4pm
- Hill House, High Street, Amblecote, Stourbridge, DY8 4DG, Thursday 21 December, 9am-2.30pm
- Little Cottage Street, Brierly Hill, DY5 1RG, Wednesday 27 December, 9am-1pm
- Mossley Unit, Sneyd Lane, Bloxwich, WS3 2LW, Thursday 28 December,10am-4pm
- Penn Road, Wolverhampton, WV4 5HN
- Wednesday 3 January, 9.30am-3pm
- Thursday 4 January, 9.30am-3pm
- Dorothy Pattison Hospital, Alumwell Close, Walsall, WS2 9XH, Wednesday 10 January, 9.30am-3.30pm
- Westfield Drive, Aldridge, WS9 8AJ, Wednesday 17 January, 9.30am-3.30pm
- Ladies Walk, Sedgley, DY3 3UA, Wednesday 24 January, 9am-1pm
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “If you or someone you care for has a severe mental illness, you are eligible for a free COVID-19 autumn booster and flu vaccination.
“The vaccine is quick, safe, and effective, and is the best way of protecting vulnerable people and their carers from the COVID-19 and flu virus this winter.
“We understand that people with SMI may need adjustments to help them feel at ease, which is why we’ve set up several dedicated pop-up clinics to help. This could include a longer appointment time, somewhere quiet to sit whilst they wait, or additional support or reassurance if they feel nervous.
“Anyone eligible is able to attend these clinics, so please do come forward and get protected ahead of Christmas, if you haven’t already.”
If you are not sure whether you have an SMI, contact your GP or mental health team to discuss your condition and vaccination.
In addition to the pop-up clinics, eligible people can book their autumn COVID-19 vaccine online via the National Booking System, or by calling 119 until Friday 15 December – this is when the online booking service ends.
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
Flu vaccinations are also available at a range of community pharmacies. To find a pharmacy near you visit the NHS website here.
