Eligible people in the Black Country are being invited to come forward for a flu and COVID-19 vaccine from this week.

The vaccination programmes are set to start from Thursday 3 October 2024, with appointments 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 six 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
• pregnant women

The flu vaccine is also available to children aged two to three, 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 the Black Country,  with flu and COVID-19 vaccines available for eligible adults on a walk-in basis, with no appointment necessary. To find your nearest pop-up clinic, visit the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB) website here Pop up vaccine clinic :: Black Country ICB

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for NHS Black Country ICB, said: “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.”

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.

For more information about the flu vaccine and to book an appointment, visit the NHS website here Book, change or cancel a free NHS flu vaccination at a pharmacy – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

For more information about the COVID-19 vaccine and to book an appointment, visit the NHS website here Book, change, or cancel a COVID-19 vaccination appointment online – NHS (www.nhs.uk)