As the holiday season approaches, healthcare leaders across the Black Country are reminding residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from flu. With cases rising earlier than usual this year, getting vaccinated is the best way to enjoy the festivities safely.
A series of mobile flu vaccination clinics will be running across Wolverhampton, Sandwell, Dudley, and Walsall this December. This makes it easier than ever for eligible residents to get protected – no appointment needed, just drop in!
Next week local leaders are supporting the clinics to encourage uptake and highlight the importance of winter protection. John Denley, Director of Public Health for Wolverhampton, and Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community will be attending the Wolverhampton clinic on Monday 8 December to meet residents and encourage them to take action to keep themselves and their families safe.
Eligible groups include:
- Adults aged 65 years and over
- People aged 6 months to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions
- Children aged 2–3 years
- Pregnant women
- Frontline health and social care staff, including those working in older adult care homes
Clinic dates and locations:
- Monday 8 December, 10am to 3pm, Queen Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1TH
- Tuesday 9 December, 10am to 3pm, Tipton Shopping Centre, Tipton Market Place, Unity Walk, DY4 8EZ
- Friday 12 December, 10am to 3pm, Dudley Market, 24 Market Place, Dudley, DY1 1PJ
- Saturday 13 December, 10am to 3pm, Bloxwich Launchpad, Market Place, Walsall, WS3 2JF.
More clinic dates are available on the NHS Black Country ICB website.
No appointment is needed, residents can simply drop in.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: "Getting vaccinated remains the best way to protect yourself, your loved ones, and those you care for from serious illness this winter. With colder weather fast approaching, now is the time to act – before viruses begin to circulate more widely."
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer and Deputy Chief Executive Officer for NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said; “Flu isn’t just a seasonal bug – for many people it can lead to very serious, and sometimes dangerous, complications. That’s why it’s so important that everyone who is eligible gets their flu jab.
“Getting vaccinated helps protect you, your family, and your wider community. We’re already seeing flu circulate earlier than usual this year, with large numbers of people seeking GP appointments and hospital care for an illness that vaccination can help prevent.”
Make your health a priority this December – drop into a mobile clinic and get your flu jab today.
For more information about flu go to the NHS website.
