Last chance to book an autumn COVID-19 vaccine

News - 16 November 2023

The NHS is urging anyone eligible for an autumn COVID-19 vaccination to book an appointment now.

The autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme started in September, with eligible people invited to come forward and book an appointment via the National Booking System or by calling 119.

Following advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), those eligible for an autumn COVID-19 vaccine have until Friday 15 December to book an appointment. After this date, vaccinations will only be available at selected locations on a walk-in basis.

People eligible for an autumn COVID-19 vaccine include:
• those 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
• household contacts of people with a weakened immune system

If you’re unsure if your eligible for a vaccine, you can check the NHS website here.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “Our winter vaccination programme has seen almost 150,000 eligible people receive their autumn COVID-19 booster vaccine, which is fantastic.

“Vaccination remains our best defence against COVID-19 and is the best way to protect yourself, your friends and family, which is particularly important as we approach the winter months.

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NHS cancer bus tours the Black Country

An NHS double-decker bus is touring the Black Country this week (Monday 7 April – Friday 11 April) to help raises awareness of the signs and symptoms of cancer and the importance of early detection.

Organised by the local NHS in partnership with the four local authorities in the Black Country, the cancer bus tour is an opportunity for local people to meet and talk with a range of clinicians about how to check for symptoms of cancer, the support services available and what to do if they’re concerned.

Information about the three main NHS cancer screening programmes - breast, bowel and cervical - will be available, including what ages people will be invited, what’s involved in the screening and what the results will tell us.

Free health checks will also be available, such as blood pressure and blood sugar tests.

The bus will be at a range of locations throughout the week, including:
• Monday 7 April, the Fountain, Dudley High Street, 10am-4pm
• Tuesday 8 April, Park Street, Walsall Town Centre, 10am-4pm
• Wednesday 9 April, Oldbury Council House, Sandwell, 10am-4pm
• Thursday 10 April, Queen Square, Wolverhampton City Centre, 10am-4pm
• Friday 11 April, Windmill Shopping Centre, Smethwick, 10am-4pm

Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “We know that early cancer diagnosis saves lives, and this bus tour is all about bringing vital information and support directly to the heart of our communities in the Black Country.

“By making it easier for people to talk to clinicians, ask any questions they may have and learn more about cancer symptoms, we hope to break down barriers and encourage more people to take action if something doesn’t feel right.

“Whether it’s a quick health check or finding out more about screening programmes in the Black Country, the bus is here to help, so we’d encourage everyone to stop by this week if they can.”
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