More than 140,000 people in the Black Country have received their autumn COVID-19 booster vaccine.
The COVID-19 autumn booster programme began last month and since then thousands of adults aged 65 and over, care home residents, the severely immunosuppressed and frontline health and care workers have come forward for their booster dose.
Now, adults aged 50 and over are invited to book their autumn booster vaccine, as long as it has been three months since their last COVID-19 vaccination.
Appointments can be booked online via the National Booking System or by calling 119.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “It’s fantastic that so many people have already come forward for a COVID-19 autumn booster in such a short space of time.
“Having the booster helps vulnerable people, including the elderly and those with weakened immune systems, to maintain a high level of protection against the virus. This is particularly important as we head into winter when respiratory viruses are typically at their peak.
“The vaccine is still our best protection against this virus, so if you’re eligible please don’t delay and get your vaccine as soon as possible.
“Appointments and walk-ins are also still available for first, second and, for those eligible, booster doses, so please do come forward when you can. It’s never too late to get vaccinated and you will be welcomed with open arms.”
The NHS is also rolling out this year’s flu vaccine, with eligible people able to get their flu and COVID-19 doses at the same time at some vaccination sites, subject to availability.
Sally Roberts added: “Flu is a nasty virus that can make you feel really unwell, but you can help to protect yourself and your loved ones with a vaccination. This is offered free of charge to those who are more at risk from complications from flu, so I would recommend that everyone eligible books an appointment as soon as possible.”
For more information about the COVID-19 autumn booster, visit the NHS website here.
For more information about the flu vaccine, visit the NHS website here.
