Vaccine 'walk-in' scheme to end tomorrow in Wolverhampton, Walsall and Tipton
People aged 50 and over have until tomorrow to take advantage of dwindling Covid vaccine supplies and get a jab without an appointment.
Health chiefs have urged people to turn up and get the vaccine at one of three Black Country centres before the scheme ends tomorrow evening.
They are expecting “far fewer” supplies for first doses during April, with all vaccines in stock after tomorrow dedicated to second doses.
The ‘walk in’ scheme – launched last week – has seen hundreds of people attend for vaccines, although bosses said they were concerned that some people in eligible groups had still not come forward.
Sally Roberts, Chief Nurse with responsibility for the Black Country and West Birmingham CCG vaccination programme, said: “We have seen hundreds of people access a vaccine without an appointment, which is really encouraging, however there are still a number of people in eligible groups who haven’t come forward.
“There is a vaccine available for all those over 50 or those living with an underlying health condition to access from now until April 2 [Friday] and we would urge those who have not yet come to do so now.”
Bosses say they do not expect any of the region’s mass vaccination centres to temporarily close in the coming weeks, as they will be needed to administer second doses.
Focus
However, the the possibility of standing down some GP-led services is being examined, a move that would enable them to focus on restoring non-Covid services.
Chief Nurse Roberts said: “We are expecting far fewer doses of the vaccine during April which means there will be far fewer appointments available for first doses, as the bulk of available supplies are being used to give second doses.
“During this time we will be taking the opportunity to review, and in some cases reconfigure the services we need to best meet the needs of the rest of the population who are yet to receive their first dose.”
Since the roll out of the jab in January 540,000 people – 50 per cent of all adults – in the Black Country and West Birmingham have has a first dose.
Urging people to come forward for the jab, Chief Nurse Roberts said: “The first dose of both the Pfizer BioNTech and Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine offer good levels of protection, but to get maximum protection everyone will need to get a second dose, so those who have been contacted or have an appointment booked for their second dose booked are urged to come back to receive it.”
Vaccines are available to anyone aged 50 or over, or who has an underlying heath condition, until 7pm tomorrow at Saddlers Centre in Walsall, Tipton Sports Academy and WV Active, Aldersley, in Wolverhampton. People need to bring their NHS number and proof of age.
After tomorrow. people who are eligible and not had their first dose will need to contact their GP to arrange it.
