Pop-up COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics are being set up in the Black Country to encourage people to come forward for a vaccine ahead of winter.

The community pop-up clinics are being hosted at a range of locations in Walsall, Wolverhampton, Dudley, and Sandwell, with no appointment necessary. Anyone aged 18 and over who is eligible for an autumn COVID-19 or flu vaccine is encouraged to come forward as soon as possible.

Those eligible include:

• all adults aged 65 and over
• care home residents
• frontline health and social care staff
• those at increased risk because they are pregnant or have a certain underlying health condition
• unpaid carers
• household contacts of those at risk.

Walk in vaccines are available at the following locations on the dates shown:

Walsall:

• The Square, New Invention, Willenhall, WV12 5EA, Wednesday 4 October, 10am-2pm
• Sainsbury's, Reedswood Way, WS2 8XA, Friday 6 October, 3pm-7pm

Wolverhampton:

• • Park Village Education Centre, Cannock Road, WV10 0RA ,Tuesday 3 October, 1pm-7pm, Saturday 7 October, 10am-4pm, Sunday 8 October, 10am-4pm

Dudley:

• • Dudley Market Place, High Street, DY1 1PQ, Friday 6 October, 9am-1pm
  • Moor Centre, Brierly Hill, DY5 3AH, Saturday 7 October, 9am-1pm

Sandwell:

• Tesco, Fox Oak Street, Cradley Heath, B64 5DF, Tuesday 3 October, 10am-2pm
• Tesco, New Square, West Bromwich, B70 7PR, Sunday 8 October, 10am-2pm

Sally Roberts, Chief Nursing Officer for the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board, said: “For some people, flu and COVID-19 symptoms are unpleasant, but for many, particularly those with certain health conditions, older people, and pregnant women, they can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.

“Vaccinations are our best defence against these viruses and remain the best way to protect yourself, your friends and family which is particularly important as we approach the winter months. Our pop-up clinics are a great way for those eligible for a flu or autumn COVID-19 vaccine to get vaccinated at a time and location that suits them, with no appointment necessary. You don’t need to wait to be invited if you’re eligible, just come forward as soon as you can.

“If anyone is hesitant about the vaccine or has any questions, the pop-up clinics are also an opportunity to speak to experts from the NHS in a private and confidential environment, so please do pop along even if it’s just to have a conversation.”

The pop-up vaccination clinics will continue through October with more dates and venues to be added over the next week. Visit the ICB website here for more information Pop up vaccine clinic :: Black Country ICB

In addition to the pop-up clinics, eligible people can book their autumn COVID-19 vaccine online via the National Booking System here Book, cancel or change a COVID-19 vaccination appointment - NHS (www.nhs.uk) or by calling 119.

Flu vaccinations are also available at a range of community pharmacies.