Vaccine van returns to Dudley

So far 84 per cent of borough residents over 18 have had their first vaccination and 73 per cent the second.

With the return of the van, along with venues open for people to drop into across the borough, residents can choose the time and venue which suits them best.

The van will be at Jesson’s Church of England Primary School, School Street, Dudley, from 10am to 6pm tomorrow (Aug 11), then at Stafford Street car park, from 11am to 7pm on Thursday and Friday (Aug 13 &14).

Any adult who has not had their first vaccine is invited along, with no appointment needed. People can just turn up and there will also be the opportunity to have a no-obligation chat to the qualified health professionals who will be working there.

There are also several venues across the borough where people can walk in and get their first or second vaccine (so long as the second is eight weeks after their first dose) over the coming days.

These include:

• Wellington Road Community Centre, Dudley, 9am to 7pm Thursday to Sunday (Aug 12 - 15),
• Ghausia Mosque, High Street, Lye, 9am - 5.30pm Friday and Saturday (Aug 13 &14),
• New Road Methodist Church, Stourbridge, 9.30am - 1pm Wednesday and Thursday (Aug 11 &12) and 9.30am to 5pm Friday and Saturday (Aug 13 & 14)

 People can also drop into JHoots Pharmacy, based in Brierley Hill Health and Social Care centre on Venture Way, seven days a week.

For the full list of venues and times visit www.blackcountryandwestbirmccg.nhs.uk/your-health-services/health-advice/covid-19-vaccination. Details will include if the venue is offering the Pfizer or Astrazeneca vaccine.

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, cabinet member for health and adult social care, said:

It’s fantastic to see how many people have already had the vaccine and with the van back in Dudley and so many walk-in centres across the borough, it’s easier for residents to grab a jab at a time to suit them.

The vaccine remains the single best defence against Covid and whether you have been eligible for some time, or are newly eligible, I would urge you to come forward and take up the offer to protect yourself and your loved ones."

Residents can also book their vaccine in a number of locations across the borough by going online at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus or by calling 119

Anyone displaying Covid-19 symptoms should isolate and seek a test. Anyone who has tested positive for Covid-19 should follow NHS guidance and should not have their vaccine until 28 days after testing positive.