Those who are eligible for a booster dose can now use the NHS online walk-in finder to find the most convenient site to get their top-up without an appointment. People who are eligible can also book an appointment at www.nhs.uk/covid-vaccination or by calling 119.

The walk-in sites include Edgbaston Cricket Ground; Al-Rasool Community Centre, 45 Emily Street, Birmingham; Balaji Temple, Dudley Road East, Oldbury; Tipton Sports Academy; Lyng Pharmacy Vaccination Centre (Next to Tram Station), 1 Lyng Lane, West Bromwich and Telford Football Club.

In just over six weeks since the lifesaving NHS COVID-19 vaccination programme began delivering boosters, more than a million people have had their vital top-up dose in the Midlands, including those who are clinically vulnerable and work in health and social care. Over 8 million first and second doses have already been delivered in the West Midlands.

There are more clinics delivering vaccines now than at any other point in the programme, including pharmacies, GP practices and other community sites – almost every person registered with a GP practice in the West Midlands lives within 10 miles of a fixed vaccination site.

Walk in centres are also offering vaccinations to 12-15 year olds to get their jab, and parents should check the NHS online walk-in finder to find their nearest centre, which is updated each day as new sites open up.

Parents can continue to use the national booking service to book their child’s jab or through the ongoing schools programme.

Alison Tonge, the NHS England and NHS Improvement director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said:

“NHS staff are making it as easy as possible for people to get their top-up vaccination in the West Midlands. People who are eligible can now go online, find their nearest site and go and get their booster without delay.

“The booster is not just a nice to have – it is really important protection ahead of what we know will be a challenging winter. So, if you are eligible, please do check the site finder and go get your jab.”

There are still a further one million people in the Midlands eligible for the booster vaccine who have yet to have their jab.

The latest evidence from the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) shows that protection against symptomatic disease falls from 65%, up to 3 months after the second dose, to 45% six months after the second dose for the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine, and from 90% to 65% for the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine. Protection against hospitalisation falls from 95% to 75% for Oxford/AstraZeneca and 99% to 90% for Pfizer/BioNTech.

Although the vaccine efficacy against severe disease remains high, it should be noted that a small change can generate a major shift in people requiring hospital care.

The NHS is vaccinating in line with guidance set by the JCVI.