NHS and social care staff are doing everything they can to keep us well during these challenging times, but there might be things that can be improved for you and your loved ones, both in the area you live in and across the country.
Eligible people living in Birmingham, the Black Country and Solihull are being invited to come forward for a flu and COVID-19 vaccine.
The vaccination programmes started on 1 September, when flu vaccines became available for young children (aged 2 and 3), pregnant women, school-aged children.
From 1 October, the COVID-19 and flu vaccination programme will extend to adults aged 65 and 0ver, people in clinical risk groups, carers, frontline health and social care staff, and those living in care homes.
Local health leaders are working to increase uptake following a national decline in vaccination rates. Both ICBs are working closely with GPs, community pharmacies, schools, local authorities, and voluntary organisations to make vaccinations as accessible as possible. Where possible, people will be offered both vaccines at the same time for convenience and maximum protection ahead of winter.
Helen Kelly, Chief Nurse for Birmingham and Solihull ICB, said: “Vaccines remain our best protection against flu, COVID-19 and other seasonal illnesses. We know uptake has fallen in recent years, but this makes it even more important that those eligible take up the offer this autumn. By getting vaccinated in September or October, you’ll be protecting yourself and those around you through the winter months.”
Dr Sally Roberts, Chief Nurse for the Black Country ICB, added: “Flu and COVID-19 are still serious illnesses that can lead to hospitalisation, especially for older people, those with long-term conditions, and pregnant women. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get protected, whether that’s at their GP, a pharmacy, a school clinic, or a specially arranged community session.”
Alongside flu and COVID, eligible patients can also get their Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination at their local GP practice or at participating pharmacies, across Birmingham and the Black Country. This immunisation is available for those aged 75 to 79 or pregnant women over 28 weeks.
Pneumococcal vaccines are also available for anyone aged 65 and over via GP practices.
Those eligible for COVID and flu immunisations are able to book an appointment via the National
Booking System. Appointments are also be available on the NHS App or by calling 119. 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.
Both ICBs are encouraging local people to take up their invite as soon as they receive it.
Ahead of the summer bank holiday (Monday 25 August), people in the Black Country are being reminded how to access NHS health services.
Due to the bank holiday some services such as GP surgeries and pharmacies may be closed or working on a reduced service. Selected pharmacies will still be available for prescriptions, nonurgent medical advice, and treatment of common ailments.
People who need medical help that isn’t an emergency should contact NHS 111 in the first instance by visiting 111.nhs.uk or by calling 111.
NHS 111 can help direct people to the most appropriate local health service if they aren’t sure where to go – this could include an out of hours GP, a pharmacy, a local NHS walk-in centre, or a hospital accident & emergency (A&E) department.
Dr Ananta Dave, Chief Medical Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “We know that sometimes people can feel unsure about where to go for help if they become unwell over a bank holiday weekend.
“A number of pharmacies will remain open over the bank holiday weekend and should be your first port of call for any minor health concerns. Pharmacists are able to offer clinical advice and can now supply medicines for a number of conditions, without the need for a GP appointment or prescription.
“If you need urgent medical help over the long weekend, contact NHS 111 in the first instance and they will direct you to the most appropriate service for advice or treatment.
“While we hope that everyone enjoys the long weekend, if you’re feeling unwell it’s vital that you seek appropriate help. The NHS continues to be here for you so please don’t hesitate to come forward.”
A&E departments and 999 are there to treat the most serious and life-threatening conditions. If you are feeling unwell and it is not an emergency, contact NHS 111.
The NHS in the Black Country has issued important guidance as temperatures climb this
week.
The Met Office, in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued an amber heat alert as temperatures are set to rise this week, with people advised to take extra care in the heatwave conditions.
Over the next few days temperatures across the Black Country are predicted to reach up to 30 degrees Celsius, with the amber alert in place from Tuesday 12 August to Wednesday 13 August.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board (ICB), said: “While many of us enjoy the sunshine and warmer weather, high temperatures can pose serious health risks, especially for older adults, young children, and people with existing health conditions. These groups are less able to regulate body temperature and are more vulnerable tooverheating, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke.
“It’s also important we look out for one another. Check in on elderly neighbours, friends, or family members who may need extra support during periods of prolonged heat. A small act of kindness can go a long way.
“By taking these simple steps, we can help ensure that everyone stays safe, comfortable, and well during the warmer months.”
“Many of these heat-related illnesses are preventable with a few simple precautions. Try to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm. Keep hydrated by drinking plenty of cool fluids, avoid sunburn by applying sunscreen regularly, and seek shade whenever possible. If you need to go out, take water with you and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. At home, keep indoor spaces cool by closing blinds or curtains in sun-facing rooms.
If you, or others, start to feel unwell, move out of the heat immediately and drink some water to If you, or others, start to feel unwell, move out of the heat immediately and drink some water to rehydrate. If you feel dizzy, weak, or have a headache and intense thirst, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for more advice.
rehydrate. If you feel dizzy, weak, or have a headache and intense thirst, visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for more advice.
