People aged 65 and over in the West Midlands are being urged to book their autumn COVID booster through the national booking system to top up their protection ahead of winter.

Over 136,000 people in the West Midlands have now been booked in for the COVID-19 vaccine since the latest phase of the programme began rolling out on 12 September.

The NHS COVID vaccine service is also now offering appointments to carers and pregnant women, with bookings able to be made online or over the phone.

There are more than 348 sites in the West Midlands that are now offering COVID boosters – mainly community pharmacies and GP premises as well as a few bigger centres – so it should be more convenient than ever for people to get their vaccinations.

As with previous campaigns, those most at risk will be called forward first, with people able to book in online or through 119 as long as it has been three months since their last dose. People aged 75 and over, the severely immunosuppressed, and frontline health and care workers have been able to book their latest booster dose since 7 September – with appointments starting from 12 September. Over 65s have been able to book their appointments since 12 September.

Around 2.79 million people in the West Midlands will be eligible for the autumn booster. Those eligible over the coming weeks, include over 50s, those with a weakened immune system and housebound people and pregnant women, in line with guidance set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

From this month, the NHS is also rolling out this year’s flu vaccine, with eligible people able to get their flu and COVID jab at the same time depending on local system arrangements. 

Roz Lindridge, the NHS England director responsible for overseeing the vaccination programme across the Midlands, said:

“Our latest campaign has got off to a fantastic start and we are delighted to see so many people book in for their autumn booster. 

“The vaccination programme has successfully kept thousands of people in our region from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. So, I would urge everyone who is eligible to get their next dose as soon as possible.

“There is no room for complacency in keeping COVID-19 on the backfoot, and the autumn booster will help protect those most at risk. This winter will be the first time we see the real effects of both COVID and flu in full circulation as we go about life as normal – and so it is vital that those most susceptible to serious illness from these viruses come forward to benefit from the vital protection that the autumn booster provides.”

Those with weakened immune systems are already able to self-declare and attend walk-ins to make getting the extra protection as easy as possible. Health and care workers can also book through national booking services. 

Over 23 million vaccinations have now been delivered in the Midlands.