Stay well this winter and get vaccinated say NHS

Eligible people in the Black Country are being reminded to come forward for a COVID-19 and flu vaccination to get protected for the festive season and start the new year on the right foot.

The NHS has created a festive vaccination campaign to promote the importance of getting vaccinated against viruses such as COVID-19 and flu this winter.

The video, which playfully uses the idea of ‘the exchanging of unwanted gifts’, aims to encourage eligible viewers to get protected against the unwanted exchange of winter viruses. 

Local GP, Dr Mohit Mandiratta features in the video and said: “As part of our efforts to increase the uptake of winter vaccinations across the Black Country, we have created a Black Country Christmas vaccination campaign to promote the importance of getting vaccinated and getting winter strong.

“You can’t avoid the exchanging of unwanted gifts this Christmas, especially as we gather indoors over the festive season. However, getting your winter vaccines offers you and your loved one’s protection from the unwanted exchange of COVID-19 and flu.

“I would encourage anyone eligible to schedule their vaccinations as soon as possible to help keep themselves and their families safe this December, ease pressure on the NHS and start the new year in a healthy way.”

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 6 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.

Eligible people have until this Friday (20 December) to book an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine via the NHS website, the NHS App or by calling 119.

After this date, COVID-19 vaccinations will only be available at local pop-up clinics on a walk-in basis.

Flu vaccines remain available, and people can continue to book appointments via the NHS website or their local pharmacy.

Community pop-up clinics are 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.